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Sweetbush

Bebbia juncea

In stock

1 gallon; 5 gallon

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native

Water needs:

Very Low

Exposure:

Mature size:

Growth rate:

Full Sun

3'x3'

Fast

Flower color:

Flower season:

Pruning:

Yellow

Year-Round

none

Wildlife

Monarchs:

Yes

Nectar pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Rabbit resistant:

Yes

Sweetbush, is a perennial shrub with slender rushlike, almost leafless stems. Most of the year it is covered in yellow daisy like flowers or the tan spiky remnants. It is found in sandy washes, dry gravelly or rocky areas
This is one of my favorite native shrubs. It forms a perfect mound about 3 foot high and wide but can get much larger with supplemental irrigation.
Chuckwallas are known to relish Sweetbush, giving it another common name Chuckwalla's Delight. Insects visit the plants for nectar, giving the Spanish name Chuparosa (to suck). Careful not to confuse it with Justicia californica, also known as Chuparosa. This is why scientific names are important! Seeds of Bebbia juncea may be eaten by birds and small mammals. Sweetbush is a magnet to a large number of insects and the plants are a haven for butterflies and moths. As a native species it is an important addition to your wildlife habitat.

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on my research from reliable sources, observations I have made of plants growing in my, and other gardens I have visited, and observations of the plants in their native habitats. I would appreciate your feedback and experience to help me educate others!

Cacti: In my experience, cacti are much happier in the filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Colors are more vibrant and they bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you pay attention to how our native barrel and beavertail opuntia grow in the wild, it is frequently tucked in the rocks under creosote or another shrub.

Light Requirements: I have found that in our desert (Sonoran/Colorado) “full sun” plants can take and appreciate the late afternoon filtered sun, especially in the hot summer months.