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Damianita

Chrysactinia mexicana

In stock

1 gallon

Plant Care

Native region:

Sonoran Desert

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Mature size:

Growth rate:

Full Sun; Filtered Sun

1-2'x1-2'

Moderate

Flower color:

Flower season:

Pruning:

Yellow

Spring; Fall

Cut back hard if the plant becomes leggy and sparse at the base

Wildlife

Monarchs:

Nectar pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Rabbit resistant:

Damianita is a highly ornamental small shrub that adds vibrant color to desert landscapes. Growing to just 1-2 feet tall and wide, this low-growing, spreading shrub is perfect for compact spaces. It features dark green, needle-like leaves that are aromatic, providing a striking contrast to its brilliant yellow, daisy-like flowers. These flowers, about half an inch across, bloom profusely from spring through fall, attracting a variety of bees and butterflies.

One of Damianita's standout features is its ability to produce a dense blanket of yellow blooms, particularly during the peak seasons of spring and fall. The bright green, finely textured foliage remains lush year-round, releasing a pleasant fragrance when touched, making it a great choice for planting around patios and walkways where people can enjoy its scent.

Damianita is incredibly resilient, thriving in the toughest desert conditions. It is both heat and drought-tolerant, capable of withstanding triple-digit summer temperatures as well as winter lows down to 0°F without damage. Once established, it requires very little water, making it an ideal choice for desert gardens. For best results, plant Damianita in full sun and well-drained soil to maintain its dense, compact form. In shadier conditions, it may become sparse or leggy, but trimming old flower heads and cutting back hard can encourage fuller growth.

This versatile ground cover is perfect for use as a low, flowering border shrub or mass planting for a dramatic effect. It's especially well-suited to small or narrow planting areas, such as street medians, parking lot islands, courtyards, and entry planters. Its moderate growth rate means it takes two to three seasons to reach its full size, but the reward is a stunning, long-blooming shrub that adds beauty and fragrance to any desert garden. For a dynamic, continuous ground cover, group several Damianita plants together, allowing them to form a bright carpet of golden yellow blooms.

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on my research from reliable sources, observations I have made of plants growing in my, and other gardens I have visited, and observations of the plants in their native habitats. I would appreciate your feedback and experience to help me educate others!

Cacti: In my experience, cacti are much happier in the filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Colors are more vibrant and they bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you pay attention to how our native barrel and beavertail opuntia grow in the wild, it is frequently tucked in the rocks under creosote or another shrub.

Light Requirements: I have found that in our desert (Sonoran/Colorado) “full sun” plants can take and appreciate the late afternoon filtered sun, especially in the hot summer months.