High Country Gardens
La Plata Silver Leaf Rabbitbrush
Best low-maintenance shrub for waterwise gardeners seeking vibrant pollinator support.
The La Plata Silver Leaf Rabbitbrush is a striking native shrub, perfect for adding year-round visual interest with its finely textured, silver-gray foliage. It bursts into a vibrant display of golden-yellow flowers in late summer and early fall, attracting a multitude of butterflies. This highly waterwise and drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun, making it an excellent, low-maintenance choice for arid landscapes or as a natural screen. Its fast growth rate and bushy habit contribute to its appeal as a substantial addition to any garden.
$18.69
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
866
/ 2688
#866 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-53%
Below average
Mature Height
57.
/ - ft
Who it's for
- Busy homeowners preferring deer-resistant, hands-off native plants
- Xeriscape gardeners seeking low-water landscape solutions
- Designers wanting high-contrast foliage and seasonal color
Who should skip it
- Allergy sufferers sensitive to pollen or strong scents
- Urban gardeners with limited space for large shrubs
- Gardeners managing heavy clay or poorly draining soil
Performance breakdown
Drought Resilience
Thrives in arid conditions with minimal supplemental irrigation required.
Pollinator Impact
A powerhouse for attracting local butterflies and bees during late season.
Visual Texture
Striking silver-gray foliage provides year-round contrast in any landscape design.
Maintenance Ease
Fast-growing and naturally bushy with very little pruning or fuss.
Deer Resistance
Reliably avoids browsing pressure in areas with high deer populations.
Climate Adaptability
Versatile hardiness zones allow for successful growth across diverse North American regions.
Key Specs
Mature Height
5-7 ft.
Mature Spread
5-7 ft.
Hardiness Zones
4-9
Container Size
5" Deep Pot
Native To
North America
Life Cycle
Perennial
Watering Needs
Low
Light Requirement
Full Sun
Features
- Attracts butterflies and bees
- Stunning silver-gray foliage
- Drought-tolerant and waterwise
- Native plant selection
- Vibrant golden-yellow blooms
- Fast-growing shrub
- Deer resistant
- Suitable for various soil types
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional reliability and hardiness of the La Plata Silver Leaf Rabbitbrush. Reviewers frequently highlight its ability to thrive in challenging, arid conditions, making it a dependable choice for xeriscaping. The plant's striking silver foliage and late season golden blooms are major aesthetic draws, fulfilling its promise as a beautiful, low maintenance anchor in the garden. While initial growth can be slow, the long term performance and unique design appeal deliver significant value.
Know before you buy
Since the La Plata Silver Leaf Rabbitbrush reaches a mature spread of 5 to 7 feet, you should space them at least 6 feet apart to allow for proper airflow and growth.
No, this is a highly waterwise plant. Once it is established in your landscape, it requires very little supplemental water and thrives in arid conditions.
Yes, this variety is adaptable to various soil types, including both sandy and clay soils, provided the planting site has good drainage.
Yes, this shrub is considered deer resistant, making it a reliable choice for gardens where deer pressure is a common concern.
It is best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This helps maintain its bushy habit and encourages a more vibrant bloom display in the summer.
This is a fast-growing perennial. Under optimal conditions with full sun, you will see significant progress toward its mature height of 5 to 7 feet within a few growing seasons.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$19