Silvery Cassia

Plant Type: evergreen shrub
Plant Height: 4–6 feet
Spread: 4–6 feet
Flower Color: bright yellow
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Silvery Cassia (Cassia phyllodinea): Golden Flowers and Striking Silver Foliage

Silvery Cassia is a stunning evergreen shrub prized for its soft, silver-gray foliage and bright yellow winter blooms. A native of Australia, it thrives in arid conditions, offering both year-round color and seasonal brilliance to Arizona landscapes.

Key Features of Silvery Cassia

• Showy Winter Blooms: Masses of bright golden-yellow flowers appear in late winter to early spring.
• Silvery Foliage: Soft, finely textured silver leaves provide color and contrast even when not in bloom.
• Drought Tolerant: Performs exceptionally in hot, dry climates once established.
• Low Maintenance: Naturally rounded growth habit with minimal pruning needs.

Growing and Care Tips

Silvery Cassia is ideal for sunny, well-drained sites and is a standout in low-water gardens.

Soil: Prefers sandy or rocky, well-draining soils; amend clay to improve drainage.
Water: Water regularly during establishment; once mature, water deeply every 2–3 weeks in summer.
Fertilizer: Use a low-phosphorus fertilizer in late summer or early fall to encourage abundant blooms.
Pruning: Lightly prune after flowering to maintain shape and promote denser growth.

Landscaping Uses

• Seasonal Color Accent: Adds winter brightness when many plants are dormant.
• Contrast Plant: Silvery foliage pairs beautifully with deep green or purple-leafed plants.
• Wildlife Garden: Flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Mass Plantings: Creates an eye-catching display when planted in groups.

Summary

Silvery Cassia delivers a perfect combination of year-round silvery foliage and seasonal golden blooms, making it an exceptional choice for Arizona’s desert landscapes. Its drought tolerance, beauty, and easy care make it a must-have for water-wise designs.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Silvery Cassia

Planting Guide:

Location: Full sun for best flowering and foliage color.
Soil: Well-draining sandy or rocky soil; amend heavy soils for improved drainage.
Spacing: Space 4–6 feet apart to allow for mature spread.
Planting Depth: Keep crown level with surrounding soil.
Support: None required—naturally sturdy and upright.

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Deeply water to saturate roots at planting.
• Frequency: Every 4–5 days for the first 2–3 weeks.
• Watering Amount: Enough to moisten soil 8–10 inches deep.

When is the Plant Established?

• Typically after 2–3 months with consistent watering and visible new growth.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 14–21 days during extended heat and drought.
• Winter: Water every 4–6 weeks if there is no rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

Placement of Emitters: Position 1 emitter 12–18 inches from the base.
Flow Rate: 1–2 gallons per hour.
Number of Emitters: One for young plants; two for mature shrubs.
Adjusting Frequency: Increase in extreme heat; reduce in cooler months.

General Watering Tips for Silvery Cassia:

• Soil Check: Let top 3–4 inches of soil dry before watering.
• Avoid Overwatering: Prefers slightly dry conditions between watering.
• Mulch: Use gravel mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds without trapping humidity.