Incienso, Brittlebush

Encelia farinosa

Description

Inciensio is a fast growing shrub typically developing a mounding form, 3-5 ft. high and as wide with distinctive 3-4 in. long whitish-gray leaves. Intense displays of bright golden-yellow daisy-like ﬂowers occur in early spring; a second ﬂower cycle can occur in late fall following the occurrence of rain or summer irrigation.

Incienso is the most widespread species of Encelia throughout the low and high desert regions of California and the southwest. Remarkably, it grows under very harsh climate conditions, tolerating heat, aridity, wind and drought. It has proven to be quite adaptable and easy to grow in Inland Empire gardens and landscapes. Both its foliage color and bright flowering cycle make it well suited as an accent plant in southwestern style gardens. Plant it in full sun, on well drained soils, and avoid overwatering in the summer. It can be clipped in the late fall to maintain desirable size and character.

Plant Type: Native, Shrub
Foliage Character: Evergreen
Habit: Mounding
Growth Rate: Fast
Foliage Color: Pale green
Flower Color: Yellow
Flower Season: Fall, Spring
Soil Adaptations: Well-draining soil, Clay
Exposure Adaptations: Wind, Heat, Drought, Aridity, All day sun
Function: Attracts butterflies, Wildlife value, Slopes, Restoration, Foliage accent plant, Flowering accent plant
Height: 3 ft. – 5 ft.
Width: 3 ft. – 5 ft.

Watering Schedule: Low 1

For most situations, we recommend watering deeply every 3-4 weeks after establishment.

Learn how to apply this watering schedule to your landscape on our How to water waterwise and California native plants page.

Important Notes

These are general guidelines. Always observe and adjust as necessary for your landscape.
If it rains over 1” you will likely not need to water for at least another 3-4 weeks. Before watering again, check the soil. It should be significantly dry at least 4” below the soil surface before watering.
If you have a “smart timer” or weather sensitive irrigation controller, it is best not to use the automatic weather adjusting features for plants in this category. While very useful for watering higher water demanding plants, those in this category have natural drought adaptations which mean they do not need to be watered more in warm weather. Using the weather adjusting features will result in either overwatering in summer or underwatering in fall and spring.
It is important to group plants with the same water needs together in the landscape to avoid needing to over or under water plants when running your irrigation system.

Prune by heading back as much of the new-ish growth as desired in May. In small gardens, spent blooms can be individually removed if desired to extend the bloom period. Remove dead seed heads in the Fall (October), but save deeper pruning for Spring maintenance (1). Consider leaving some of the pruned dry seed heads in the garden for food, nesting material, and habitat for birds and other critters you want around (S). Older plants that look like they need refreshing can be cut back hard into older wood in November. Expect new growth to emerge within a few weeks (1) References