Senna phyllodinea

silver-leaf cassia
Silver-leaf cassia from hot inland parts of Australia stays evergreen and pretty through drought and heat, delivers a show of golden flowers from winter into spring.
synonyms Cassia phyllodinea
height 3–5ft
width 3–5ft
tolerates Drought, Heat, Wind
water
needs		 Low
water
info		 Less water supports more compact growth on this fast-growing, drought-adapted shrub.

For the first three years after it’s planted, this shrub should be watered deeply but infrequently (when the top three inches of soil or so have dried). After that, it won’t need supplemental water except in exceptionally hot and dry environments but will look its best with occasional summer irrigation once dry. Use drippers, emitters or a slow stream of water so that it doesn’t run off; allow the water to trickle all the way down through the deepest layers of soil.
hardy
to		 20F
exposure Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing Low Needs
origin Australia
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 8, 9, 11–16, 18–24, H2

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

Growing Notes

Prefers well-drained soils, full sun. May not be at its best in cooler coastal and high-rainfall areas.

Special Interest

One of the showiest and tidiest stalwarts for hot, dry locations. After peaking in late winter or early spring, scattered bloom can occur in other seasons.

After flowering, green beanpods form, ripen to bronzy brown, forming a nice accent against the silvery foliage.