Turpentine Bush

Plant Type: shrub
Plant Height: 3-5 feet
Spread: 3-5 feet
Flower Color: bright yellow
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Turpentine Bush (Ericameria laricifolia) - A Resilient Desert Shrub with Aromatic Foliage and Vibrant Flowers

The Turpentine Bush is a hardy, aromatic shrub native to the desert regions of the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico. Known for its medicinal properties, strong turpentine-like scent, and bright yellow blooms, it’s a favorite in water-wise gardens and desert landscapes.

Key Features of Turpentine Bush

• Aromatic Foliage: This perennial shrub produces narrow, needle-like green leaves that release a turpentine-like fragrance when crushed. Historically, indigenous communities have used the plant’s aromatic leaves for medicinal purposes.
• Bright Yellow Flowers: From late summer to fall, Turpentine Bush is covered with clusters of daisy-like, vibrant yellow flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding ecological value to gardens.
• Compact, Rounded Growth: Grows to 3 to 5 feet tall and wide, forming a dense, rounded shape that’s ideal for small spaces or mass plantings.

Ideal Growing Conditions

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun, which enhances flowering and growth.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining soil and adapts well to poor soil conditions.
• Water Requirements: Extremely drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal supplemental watering.

Landscaping Uses

• Accent Plant: Provides texture and color in rock gardens, desert beds, and native plant landscapes.
• Mass Plantings: Creates a stunning visual display when planted in groups, especially during the blooming season.
• Small Garden Spaces: Its compact size and low-maintenance qualities make it perfect for water-wise gardens with limited space.

Care and Maintenance

• Minimal Water Needs: After establishment, it requires only occasional watering, ideal for drought-tolerant and low-water gardens.
• Low Maintenance: No significant pruning needed, but deadheading after flowering can help maintain its shape.

Summary

The Turpentine Bush is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant shrub ideal for adding color, texture, and fragrance to desert and water-conscious landscapes. With its vibrant yellow blooms, aromatic foliage, and adaptability to harsh conditions, it’s a valued choice for those looking to create sustainable and visually appealing outdoor spaces. Its presence in gardens not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also supports pollinator health, making it a versatile addition to xeriscaping and desert-themed gardens.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Turpentine Bush

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth and vibrant flowers)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 3-5 feet apart for optimal growth and 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: Turpentine Bush is a self-supporting shrub that grows into a compact, bushy form with aromatic, yellow or orange flowers

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 2-3 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Turpentine Bush is considered established after 2-3 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 2-3 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 of the root zone
• 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