Other Names:  Vaal Bietou Bush, Grey Bietou, Gray Tick Berry

Description:

A low, wide spreading groundcover sub-shrub, presenting fine textured, woolly, gray green leaves with silvery highlights; yellow daisy flowers appear on and off throughout the year; impressive and low maintenance, tolerating coastal wind and salt

Ornamental Features

Vaalbietou features dainty yellow daisy flowers with gold eyes held atop the branches from early spring to late winter. It has attractive grayish green foliage with hints of silver. The small fuzzy round leaves are highly ornamental and remain grayish green throughout the winter. The silver stems can be quite attractive.

Landscape Attributes

Vaalbietou is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and can be pruned at anytime. It is a good choice for attracting bees and butterflies to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spreading

Vaalbietou is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Rock/Alpine Gardens
• Groundcover
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Vaalbietou will grow to be about 12 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 10 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 12 years.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. This plant does not require much in the way of fertilizing once established. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division.