Paper Flower

Plant Type: shrub
Plant Height: 1-3 feet
Spread: 2-3 feet
Flower Color: bright yellow
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Description:

Psilostrophe cooperi, commonly known as Cooper's Paperflower or Cooper's Goldenbush, is a perennial herb native to the desert regions of the southwestern United States. It's valued in xeriscaping and native plant gardens for its drought tolerance and cheerful flowers.

The most striking feature of Psilostrophe cooperi is its abundant, bright yellow flowers, which resemble daisies. These blooms typically appear in late spring and continue through the summer, providing a long-lasting display of color. The flowers have a distinctive papery texture, giving the plant its common name, "Paperflower."

The foliage of Cooper's Paperflower is another attractive feature. The leaves are narrow, linear, and covered in fine hairs, giving them a silvery appearance. This foliage forms a compact, low-growing mound, which becomes a backdrop for the bright yellow flowers.

Cooper's Paperflower is highly adapted to arid environments. It thrives in well-drained soils and requires minimal water once established, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens, rock gardens, and desert landscaping. The plant's ability to withstand harsh conditions and its low maintenance requirements make it a favorite among gardeners in dry regions.

Additionally, Psilostrophe cooperi is attractive to pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, adding an ecological benefit to gardens. Its compact size also makes it suitable for borders, container gardens, or as an accent plant in mixed beds.

Overall, Cooper's Paperflower is appreciated for its vibrant flowers, drought tolerance, and adaptability to challenging growing conditions. Its ability to provide long-lasting color and interest in low-water landscapes makes it a popular choice in desert and xeriscaping gardens.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Paper Flower

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth and blooming)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart for optimal growth and to allow for air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Paper Flower is a flowering shrub that requires no staking and grows into a bushy form with showy bracts

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 4-5 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Paper Flower is considered established after 3-4 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant for deep watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks