Euryops pectinatus

A cheerful, sun-loving shrub that produces bright yellow daisy flowers for much of the year. Its fine grey-green foliage adds softness and contrast, making it a reliable choice for hot, dry conditions.

Euryops pectinatus is a South African shrub that has become a beloved Mediterranean garden plant for its astonishing flowering generosity — bright golden-yellow daisy flowers appear from autumn through spring, peaking in mid-winter when little else blooms. In the Mediterranean it flowers from October through May with brief pauses during the heaviest rains. The deeply divided silver-grey leaves are evergreen and aromatic, releasing a sage-like scent when touched. Hardy to -5°C, drought-tolerant and undemanding, the plant flowers more profusely when slightly stressed by drought and poor soil; rich soil and overwatering produce lush growth at the expense of flowers.

Euryops grows quickly to 1–1.5 m tall and as wide, forming a dense rounded shrub that is short-lived (4–6 years) but easily replaced. Use as a winter-flowering anchor in dry borders, in informal hedges along driveways and paths, and in large terracotta pots where the bright yellow flowers and silver foliage are visible from inside the house in winter. Pair with the blue of Salvia rosmarinus, Plumbago auriculata and Lavandula; the purple of Verbena bonariensis; and the chartreuse of Euphorbia characias for a layered yellow-and-cool-colours composition. Cut back hard in late spring after the main flowering finishes to maintain a compact shape and stimulate a fresh flush of growth.