← Back to results

Island Hazardia

Hazardia detonsa

perennial herb View on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun

Water

very low

Soil

Fast

Size

2–8ft tall

Bloom

Mar-Nov

Deer

Resistant

Flowers

Prized

Native Range

Coastal bluffs and scrub of Santa Cruz Island (Channel Islands), below 500 ft elevation

Care Guide

Planting

Plant Island Hazardia in full sun with fast-draining soil - this Channel Islands native demands excellent drainage and won't tolerate wet feet. Space it 2-4 feet apart depending on whether you want a single specimen or a fuller shrub form (it grows 2-8 feet tall). Plant in fall or early winter to let it establish before the dry season. Avoid amending soil with compost or other water-retentive materials; lean, sandy, or rocky soil is what it's evolved for.

After Planting

Water weekly during your first summer, then taper off sharply - by fall of year one, this plant should be fully weaned to rainfall only (it thrives on very low water). Once established, it blooms from March through November and needs almost no attention; resist the urge to babysit it with extra water. The #1 mistake Bay Area gardeners make is overwatering out of guilt - this plant came from the driest Channel Islands and actually prefers neglect to generosity.

Visit Calscape for more information about Island Hazardia