Perennial
Damianita
Chrysactinia mexicana
An aromatic evergreen mound buried in golden daisies. Thrives in rocky, baking-hot ground.
- Pollinator
- Native
- Evergreen
- Fragrant
- Deer-resistant
Quick facts
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 7–10
- Water
- Very low once established
- Sun
- Full sun
- Size
- 12–18 in. tall × 12–24 in. wide
- Bloom & interest
- Golden-yellow daisies smother the plant in spring, with repeat bloom after rain
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Native range
- Native to west and central Texas, southern New Mexico and northern Mexico
Why we recommend it
A native Chihuahuan Desert evergreen that blooms heavily on rainfall alone and handles reflected heat that burns most perennials.
Best regions: TexasSouthwestSouthern California
How to grow it
Watering to establish
Water every week or two the first summer; afterward it needs little or none.
Pruning
Shear back by about a third after the spring bloom to keep it compact.
Soil
Rocky, gravelly, alkaline soil with excellent drainage; rich or wet soil kills it.
Pairs well with
Read more
Where to buy
Shop Damianita from trusted growers. For the best selection of xeric plants, try a mail-order specialist or ask a local independent nursery.
- High Country Gardens (opens in a new tab)Xeric specialist
- Nature Hills Nursery (opens in a new tab)Wide selection
- American Meadows (opens in a new tab)Perennials & seeds
- Etsy (opens in a new tab)Small growers
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