Ocean Spray
Holodiscus discolor
Care
full sun, part shade
low
well-drained; tolerates dry rocky slopes
5–15ft tall , 4–10ft wide
Jun-Aug · creamy white
Deciduous
Resistant
Prized
Pacific Coast from British Columbia to Southern California mountains
Large drooping plumes of tiny creamy white flowers
Spectacular in bloom; dried flower heads persist ornamentally through winter
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Ocean Spray in partial shade or deep shade with well-drained soil; it's adaptable to clay and garden soil, so don't stress about perfect conditions. The best time to plant is fall or winter when the plant is dormant. Space it according to its mature size (5–15 feet tall), and it works well as a hedge or for bank stabilization. This native shrub tolerates cold to -15°F, so it's forgiving in the Bay Area.
After Planting
Water regularly the first summer to establish the plant, then reduce to supplemental irrigation only - once established, it needs water no more than twice a month during summer. Let it go dormant and leafless in winter; this is normal deciduous behavior. Pruning details aren't specified in the care data, so focus on letting it settle in year one rather than cutting it back aggressively. The main mistake is overwatering: this plant evolved on dry rocky slopes and woodland floors, so resist the urge to keep it constantly moist once it's past the first growing season.
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
California Species of Special Concern
Wildlife Supported
Insects
Larvae feed on new spring foliage; critical host plant
Nests nearby; June-August flowering provides essential pollen
Early spring larval host; caterpillars on new foliage
Larval host plant; utilizes young leaves for caterpillar development
Larval host plant; first brood utilizes new growth
Blooms Jun-Aug peak; primary nectar source during mid-summer
Jun-Aug bloom period; important for worker maintenance and brood provisioning
Spring brood feeds on emerging foliage
+3 more species
Birds
Seeds mature Aug-Sep; critical late breeding season food source
Mammals
Winter and spring browse when other forage limited; palatability increases in new growth
Autumn and early winter forage; important in transitional shrublands