Sea Myrtle
Baccharis halimifolia
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Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
144 inches
Width
144 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low to high
Humidity
Adaptable
Lifespan
Medium-lived shrub
Native To
Eastern North America
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested in large quantities
The Story
Plant Bio
Baccharis halimifolia is a large, fast-growing, deciduous shrub native to coastal eastern North America. It is exceptionally tolerant of salt spray, poor soils, and both wet and dry conditions. In autumn, female plants produce masses of silvery-white, plume-like seed heads that cover the plant, creating a spectacular, smoke-like display.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a location in full sun for best performance.
- Tolerates almost any soil type, from wet clay to dry sand.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
- Set the plant in the hole at the same depth it was in the container.
- Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to settle.
- Water regularly during the first year to establish a deep root system.
Pro Tip
For the showy fall display, ensure you plant a female specimen; male plants have inconspicuous flowers.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide full sun for the densest growth and best flowering.
- Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain a desired size and shape.
- Allow soil to dry out between waterings once established.
- Use it in difficult sites where other shrubs fail.
Don't
- Do not plant in deep shade, as it will become leggy and sparse.
- Avoid planting in regions where it is considered invasive, such as Australia.
- Don't over-fertilize; this plant thrives in poor soil.
- Refrain from planting only male plants if you desire the showy fall seed heads.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Sea Myrtle questions
What zones can Sea Myrtle grow in?
Sea Myrtle is hardy in USDA Zones 5–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Sea Myrtle deer resistant?
Yes — Sea Myrtle is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Sea Myrtle bloom?
Sea Myrtle typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Sea Myrtle need full sun?
Sea Myrtle does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Sea Myrtle drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Sea Myrtle handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Grow Sea Myrtle with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
