Botanical Name: Purshia mexicana stansburyana
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Common Name: Cliffrose  
Plant photo of: Purshia mexicana stansburyana
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Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Broadleaf Evergreen, Shrub

 

Height Range

3-6'

 

Flower Color

White

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Dark Green

 

Bark Color

Grey, Red

 

Fruit Color

White

 

Fruit Season

Summer, Fall

Sun

Full

 

Water

Very Low, Low

 

Growth Rate

Slow

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Loam, Rocky

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees

Design Styles

Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch

 

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring

 

Location Uses

Background, Foundation, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Hedge

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: Mountain States Nursery
  • Description

  • Notes

Cliffrose is a freely branched, broad-leaf evergreen shrub growing 4 to 10 tall and maybe as wide, depending on the site. Spring flowers are creamy-white, five-petaled, and extremely fragrant, eventually producing white, feathery fruits. Its bark is reddish and peeling. Leathery, pinnately compound leaves are green above, woolly-white below. The foliage is resinous, with a pleasant woody scent. Use in naturally-styled landscapes, meadows, and informal landscapes.
Grow in well drained, dry, poor soils in full sun. It tolerates dry slopes, and is a good choce for erosion control on south and west facing slopes. Does not tolerate over-watering or wet sites. Very drought tolerant once established. Can survive without supplemental irrigation. Selectively remove stray or unruly branches as needed, but otherwise, requires no maintenance. Hardy to -20f