St. Catherine’s Lace — Eriogonum giganteum

Eriogonum giganteum

A Channel Islands native buckwheat with felted gray leaves and broad sprays of cream to pale pink flowers. Its mounding form gives structure to Southern California habitat gardens.

Southern California growing guide

• Light: Full sun is ideal; tolerates some light shade.
• Mature size: Commonly 4–5 feet tall and wide. Give flower stems and branches room to spread.
• Water & drought: Water during establishment, then reduce irrigation. Drought tolerant; occasional deep summer watering improves appearance in hot inland sites.
• Soil: Good drainage is important; suitable draining clay can work. Avoid prolonged saturation.
• Growth: Evergreen mounding shrub with large seasonal flower stalks, especially in summer. Growth varies with site and water.
• Wildlife: Flowers attract bees and butterflies; birds eat the seeds.
• Maintenance: Retain some aging flower heads for seed and visual interest, then remove spent stems as needed. Lightly shape rather than tightly shear.
• Landscape uses: Habitat borders, broad dry-garden beds, mixed native shrub planting and dried flower arrangements.

Representative species photograph, not current nursery stock. Photo: Daderot, CC0 1.0, via Wikimedia Commons. No intentional image modifications.