Ebony Conebush
Best low-maintenance shrub for water-wise gardeners seeking year-round dramatic color.
The Ebony Conebush is a striking, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub offering year-round visual interest with its deep purple-black foliage that emerges chartreuse. From late winter to late spring, it produces showy creamy white flowers with yellow overtones and burgundy bracts. This medium-growth plant features an interesting, upswept habit, making it ideal for massing or screening. It thrives in full sun and prefers dry to average moisture, making it a drought-tolerant choice for water-wise landscapes. This low-maintenance shrub is also deer resistant.
$79.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
34
/ 2688
#34 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
+103%
Above average
Mature Height
4
/ feet
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking high-contrast, architectural foliage year-round
- Eco-conscious homeowners designing water-wise, low-maintenance landscapes
- Floral designers wanting unique, long-lasting stems for arrangements
Who should skip it
- Gardeners preferring simple, universal fertilizer routines
- Homeowners dealing with heavy clay or poorly draining soil
- Gardeners living in regions with frequent hard freezes
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Striking purple-black foliage provides dramatic contrast in any garden setting.
Drought Tolerance
Thrives in water-wise landscapes with minimal supplemental irrigation required.
Maintenance Ease
Low-care requirements make this an ideal choice for busy gardeners.
Deer Resistance
Reliably deters local wildlife from grazing on your ornamental plantings.
Seasonal Versatility
Evergreen structure ensures year-round interest beyond the spring bloom cycle.
Arrangement Utility
Unique bracts and foliage offer excellent texture for indoor floral displays.
Key Specs
Mature Height
4 feet
Mature Width
5 feet
Light Needs
Full Sun
Bloom Time
Late Winter to Late Spring
Foliage Color
Black, Purple-variegated dark gray, Red (in fall)
Family Name
Conebush
Growth Rate
Medium
Hardiness Zone
8b
Features
- Contrasting deep purple-black foliage emerges chartreuse.
- Showy creamy white and yellow flowers with burgundy bracts.
- Upright spreading habit suits container combinations.
- Deer generally avoid this plant.
- Drought-tolerant for water-wise landscapes.
- Brick red branches add dimensional interest.
- Excellent for cutting arrangements.
What customers say
The Ebony Conebush earns high marks for its striking design and impressive reliability. Consumers consistently praise the plant's robust quality upon purchase, noting the dramatic, deep purple foliage that provides immediate visual impact. This conebush is celebrated for its low maintenance nature and hardiness, establishing easily and performing reliably even in challenging conditions. Gardeners view it as a valuable, dependable centerpiece that elevates the landscape without demanding constant attention.
Know before you buy
Since this shrub reaches a mature width of 5 feet, you should space them at least 5 to 6 feet apart if you are planting them in a row for screening or massing.
This plant is rated for USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. It is not cold-hardy in regions with freezing temperatures below this zone, so it is best suited for milder climates.
No, the Ebony Conebush is drought-tolerant and prefers dry to average moisture levels. Once established, it requires very little supplemental watering, making it a great choice for water-wise landscapes.
Yes, its upright, spreading habit makes it an excellent candidate for large containers. Just ensure you use a well-draining potting mix and place the container in a spot that receives full sun.
Yes, it is generally avoided by deer, making it a reliable choice for gardens where deer pressure is a concern. However, no plant is 100% deer-proof if food sources are extremely scarce.
The Ebony Conebush prefers poor, alkaline soil that is very well-drained. Avoid planting it in heavy, water-logged clay, as it requires excellent drainage to prevent root issues.
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Ready to buy?
$80