Evergreen Shrub – Rusty Staggerbush

Rusty Staggerbush 

Botanical name: lyonia ferruginea 

Beginner friendly?: yes 

Average size at maturity: 8-15 ft in height with a 4-10 ft spread 

Hardy zone: zones 8-10 

Growth rate: grows 6-12 inches per year 

Foliage color: green 

Flower color: white

Bloom time:  spring 

Pruning instructions: prune during the late winter/early spring before new growth begins to emerge to maintain desired shape and size 

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings during the fall and winter months 

Landscape use: background planting, border/privacy 

Special features: drought tolerant, deer resistant 

Light needs: at least 6 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: allow the top 2 inches of soil dry out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a year in the early spring 

Best time to plant: spring 

Best type of soil: loam, clay 

Companion plants: saw palmetto, beebalm, myrtle oak 

Toxicity level: highly toxic for pets, livestock, and humans if ingested 

Invasive species: no