Indoor Leucophytta Brownii Calocephalus, Type 1F, 0.3LP, 10-15CM

Indoor Leucophytta Brownii Calocephalus, Type 1F, 0.3LP, 10-15CM

Leucophytta brownii is the correct scientific name for the plant you're asking about. However, it's often confused with Calocephalus brownii, which is another name that’s been historically used for the same plant. The confusion arises because Leucophytta and Calocephalus were previously thought to belong to different genera but are now recognized as part of the same family, Asteraceae, under the genus Leucophytta. So, Leucophytta brownii is the current accepted name.

Leucophytta brownii (also known as Calocephalus brownii)
Common Names: Brown's Button, Cushion Bush
Family: Asteraceae
Native Range: This plant is native to Australia, specifically the arid regions of southern and western Australia.
Description & Key Characteristics:
Growth Habit: Leucophytta brownii is a low-growing shrub or groundcover, typically reaching heights of 30-60 cm (12-24 inches) and spreading up to 1 meter (3 feet) wide.
Leaves: The leaves are small, narrow, and silver-grey to silvery-green, giving the plant a distinct, frosted appearance. The leaves have a woolly or felt-like texture due to dense fine hairs, which helps the plant conserve moisture in its native dry environment.
Flowers: It has small, inconspicuous yellow or greenish-yellow flowers that appear in summer. The flowers are not the primary ornamental feature of this plant—it's really grown for its attractive foliage.
Foliage: The dense, silvery foliage is the most striking feature. The woolly texture of the leaves gives the plant a soft, almost cushion-like appearance, making it a popular choice in drought-tolerant or water-wise landscaping.
Cultivation & Care:
Light Requirements: Leucophytta brownii thrives in full sun and can tolerate hot, sunny conditions. It doesn’t do well in shady spots, as it needs full exposure to sunlight for best growth.
Soil: This plant prefers well-drained soil, and it is well-suited to sandy, rocky, or poor soils—basically, it's adapted to dry, low-nutrient environments. It doesn't like wet feet, so good drainage is essential.
Watering: As a drought-tolerant plant, Leucophytta brownii requires minimal watering once established. It's best to water deeply during dry spells, but it’s more tolerant of neglect than overwatering.
Frost Tolerance: It has moderate frost tolerance, but in colder climates, it may require some protection or grow better in containers that can be moved indoors during extreme cold.
Pruning: Minimal pruning is required, but occasional trimming can help maintain its shape and remove dead or damaged growth. It can be pruned back to encourage bushier growth.