Eriogonum giganteum (St. Catherines Lace)

Noted for its long period of bloom, Eriogonum giganteum (St. Catherine's Lace) is a large evergreen shrub of sprawling or rounded habit, with repeatedly forked branches clothed near their tips with spoon-shaped leaves, 2-3 in. long (5-7 cm), silver-green above and wooly white beneath. Profuse tiny creamy-white flowers held in huge, flat-topped clusters bloom for months from late spring to fall. Rich in nectar, the lacy clusters attract bees and butterflies. The blossoms fade to a pretty red rust color, then brown, holding different colors at the same time. They remain ornamental for a long period and their seeds attract several species of birds. Tough and easy to grow, St. Catherine's Lace tolerates seaside and dry conditions and requires little to no maintenance. It is excellent for erosion control and is a great choice for desert or water-wise gardens. The flowers are often cut, dried, and used as everlastings.

• Grows up to 4-8 ft. tall (120-180 cm) and 6-8 ft. wide (180-240 cm).
• Performs best in full sun in dry, rocky, gravelly, well-drained soils. Tolerates clay as long as draining is fast. Water regularly until the plant is established, then once a month in summer. Drought tolerant.
• Great for banks and slopes (erosion control), wildlife gardens, and Mediterranean gardens.
• Generally pest and disease free. Deer resistant.
• Pinch back fast-growing stem tips to increase bushiness. Deadhead the spent flower stalks after collecting the seeds.
• Propagate by seed (no treatment).
• Native to the Channel Islands of California.