False rosemary

may die suddenly; remove these to encourage new 2–3 ft growth. C. grandiflora will tolerate some Nectar overhead or drip irrigation. Other Conradina species should be watered only during extended dry periods. Because this plant thrives naturally in dry ecosystems, overwatering may cause rot and decline. Photo by Andrea England Photo by Photo by Ron and Diane Bynum Site conditions Conradina canescens Conradina grandiflora with needlelike leaves Conradina is ideal for dry, sandy soils in full sun. It will thrive on natural rainfall. If Plants in the Conradina or False rosemary Planting your landscape is irrigated on a regular genus may look like their namesake basis, look for a spot that remains dry. cousin, whose leaves are used as a Conradina can last three or more years in landscapes. Plant in sandy, well- savory cooking spice, but these members Hardiness zones of the Lamiaceae (mint) family emit a drained soil, and water until established. minty-fresh smell when their leaves are Conradina releases a chemical that Conradina grandiflora is suited for zone 9. suppresses the growth of other crushed. There are six Conradina species C. canescens is best for 8A–9B. vegetation, including weeds, and thus found in Florida; only one, Conradina may be beneficial, but also may restrict canescens, is not considered endangered or threatened. growth of other plants close by. The plants are evergreen and reward Seeds gardeners with a display of fragrant white-lavender blooms. Seeds are not commercially available, but may be collected from plants when fresh. Sow in spring in well-drained soil and Description keep moist until germination occurs. Conradina are small perennial shrubs that mature into 2- to 3-foot-wide and -tall silvery-green clumps. Their short, Butterflies and bees needlelike leaves grow densely from Conradina is attractive to some upright stems that branch from a main butterflies and moths, but it mostly woody stem. draws native bees, including large Conradina canescens occurs in the carpenter and digger bees. Honey western Panhandle, and is found in dry bees also have been seen sampling Photo by Peg Urban disturbed areas and on dunes. Short- its nectar. leaved false rosemary (C. brevifolia), Conradina grandiflorain a landscape a federally listed endangered species, is found only in scrub habitats in Polk Plants Of the six Conradina and Highlands counties in south Central Plants are readily available from nurseries species in the state, Florida. It reaches out with graceful specializing in native plants. Conradina all but C. canescens CAUTION fingers that give it a unique character also can be easily started from cuttings are endangered or apart from C. canescens. Largeflower (4-inch non-branching terminal shoots) threatened, and thus false rosemary (C. grandiflora), a state- in well-drained potting soil in small pots. limited in population. listed threatened species, can be found Mist daily and do not allow soil to dry. Because these species can hybridize, on scrubby sites in coastal counties in Prune before transplanting or within one it is important to plant the species the central and southern peninsula. It has week after transplanting. Pinch tips to found naturally in your area to help larger flowers and a more upright growth. encourage branching. preserve the distinct genetic identities All are very drought-resistant once and ecological roles of these plants. established. Care In Polk and Highlands counties, Prolific flowers cover in spring, Conradina Conradina may be trimmed after choose C. brevifolia. Along the central and the plant can keep blooming through flowering, but most gardeners leave it and southern east coast, choose C. late fall. This versatile deer-resistant alone and enjoy its beautiful natural form. grandiflora. Ask your nursery supplier groundcover can be used in mass plant- Sections of older, well-established plants for the species native to your locale. ings, as a single specimen or in a pot.