Damianita is a tiny evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves that’s virtually smothered in yellow flowers when in bloom. For their size, these plants excel at commanding your attention! Here’s how to grow and care for this surprisingly tough southwest desert native.
At first glance, you’d probably label damianita (Chrysactinia Mexicana) as a perennial or ground cover, since it’s usually only ½ foot tall and a foot wide. So it can be hard to believe this small plant is actually considered a shrub, albeit a very small one.
It can also be surprising that it’s an extremely resilient native that grows in hot, dry, rocky outcrops of the Chihuahuan Desert. These plants are so tough that they’re often grown in the most inhospitable commercial settings, such as parking lots and median strips.
This plant’s dark green needle-like leaves are only 1/3″ long. It looks like a bonsai conifer when not in bloom.
But when in bloom, leaves are hidden by a blanket of daisy-like flowers. Flowers are small, about the size of a dime, but they are so tightly packed and such a brilliant color (high-viz golden yellow) that these small mounds really pop.
Plant leaves are aromatic, giving off a slightly medicinal fragrance that’s often compared to juniper berries or camphor.
Damianita provides food for seed-eating birds and nectar for native bees and butterflies.
Why I Like This Plant
- Compact, adorable evergreen
- Brilliant, eye-catching flowers much of the year
- Extremely low maintenance
- No thorns, low-litter, non-toxic
- Attracts bees, birds, and butterflies
Things to Watch Out For
It can be a fine line between watering enough to keep this plant looking its best and not overwatering, which causes root rot.
Plants are relatively short-lived and tend to get woody as they age.
Optimal Growing Conditions
If you’re thinking of adding a damianita to your garden, you need to find a suitable place that will keep your plant healthy and looking good.
Here are the key factors to keep in mind.
Temperature
Damianita should ideally be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 – 11. It’s a tough Chihuahuan Desert native that tolerates desert heat but struggles in temperatures over 110℉. It’s cold-hardy down to 0℉.
Sun Exposure
Damianita grows best in full sun and tolerates reflected heat. When grown in part shade, it gets leggy and has fewer flowers.
Size and Growth Rate
They are moderately fast growers that reach their full size in only a few seasons. Plants form an attractive mound, typically 6 to 12 inches tall by 1 foot wide, but can grow slightly larger.
Flowers are small, but they’re so tightly packed, plants in bloom really stand out.
Soil
Damianita will grow in any desert soil, as long as it’s well-draining, but it prefers sandy or rocky soil. It’s one of the few desert landscape plants that grows well in caliche or limestone soil.
In its native habitat, it can often be found growing out of rocky outcrops, as in this picture below.
Other Location Considerations
Damianitas have no thorns, stickers, or irritating hairs. Because they are “unarmed,” non-toxic, and litter-free, they are a good choice near a pool, sidewalk, patio, or anywhere they might come in contact with pets or people.
They provide a nice contrast to boulders and spiky desert plants and look great in rock gardens, wildflower gardens, or as an edging plant.
Since plants are small, they look best when planted in small groups.
Damianita:
The Essentials
| Common Name | Damianita |
| Scientific Name | Chrysactinia mexicana |
| Origin | Mexico, Texas, New Mexico |
| Plant Type | Evergreen subshrub |
| USDA Zones | Zones 7 – 11 |
| Cold Hardiness | To 0℉ |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Flower Season | Spring, summer, fall |
| Mature Size | 6-12″ high x 1-2’ wide |
| Growth Rate | Slow to moderate |
| Sun Tolerance | Full, part, reflected sun |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Pests & Diseases | Root rot if overwatered |
| Garden Friendly | No thorns, low litter, non-toxic |
| Wildlife | Attracts bees, birds, butterflies Deer, rabbit resistant |
How to Plant
The rule of thumb when planting any shrub in the desert is to dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.
Amending the soil is not recommended. Counterintuitively, backfilling with the same native soil you just dug up helps your plant develop a stronger root system.
When to Plant
The best time to plant damianita is in the fall. This gives them three seasons to grow roots and get established before the following summer.
The second best time is in spring, the earlier the better. This still gives your plant time to get established before the intense heat of June arrives.
How to Care for Damianita
Whether you’ve recently planted a damianita or have an existing one in your yard, here’s how to take care of it to keep it healthy and looking its best.
How to Water
During the first growing season, give your plant about ½ gallon of water once a week while it’s establishing its root system. After that, use this schedule as a guideline:
| Spring (March – May) | 10 – 14 days |
| Summer (May – Oct.) | 7 – 10 days |
| Fall (Oct. – Dec.) | 10 – 14 days |
| Winter (Dec – March) | 14 – 21 days |
Be careful not to overwater. Damianita can develop root rot if overwatered.
Should You Fertilize?
Damianita naturally thrives in poor soil and does not need to be fertilized.
How to Prune
Cut damianita back to about half its size in late spring after its spring blooms have faded. This stimulates new growth and keeps plants looking their best. Plants can get woody if left unpruned.
Have you grown this plant?
Was it a “hit” or a “miss” in your garden?
Please share your experience in the comments below!
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Author Bio
Deane Alban is the creator of Southwest Gardener. She is a science writer with a bachelor’s degree in botany from the University of South Florida. Gardening is her lifelong passion. She’s been gardening in Tucson for 15 years.
