Downy Zieria

Downy Zieria (Zieria littoralis) is a compact Australian native shrub that grows about 15cm tall and 1m wide, covered in small, velvety grey-green leaves. Starry white flowers open in winter and spring. It is critically endangered in the wild, where it grows on exposed rocky coastal headlands, and it takes salt spray and wind in the garden just as well.

Why you'll love it

• Built for the seaside. It tolerates salt spray, coastal wind and exposed sites that burn most small shrubs.
• Velvety grey-green foliage. The soft, silvery leaves contrast well with darker native greens and glossy foliage.
• Starry winter and spring flowers. Small white flowers open through the cooler months and feed passing pollinators.
• Frost and drought tolerant. Once established it copes with both, so it needs little attention in a dry or frosty garden.
• A rare native worth growing. Critically endangered in the wild, it is a plant that deserves a place in a native garden.

Where it works best

Coastal gardens and exposed sites. Plant it where wind and salt spray reach, such as clifftop gardens and open seaside borders. Plant 70cm apart to form a low, spreading cover.

Rockeries and rocky sites. It comes from rocky headlands, so it suits gravelly or stony ground, where its low habit spills over rocks.

Wildlife and native gardens. The flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects, and its low height lets it sit at the front of a native bed.

Pots and containers. It suits a pot of sandy, free draining mix in filtered light.

Growing Downy Zieria in Australia

Position and climate. Dappled shade or filtered light out of hot afternoon sun suits it best. It is tough enough for exposed coastal positions, though, and tolerates salt spray, frost and drought once established.

Soil. Well draining sandy loam to sandy soil. Wet, heavy clay is the one thing it dislikes, so add coarse sand or raise the bed if drainage is poor.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established. Fertilise only plants growing in very poor soil, using a low phosphorus fertiliser formulated for natives.

Pruning. Prune lightly as required to keep it neat. It is very disease resistant and needs little other care.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Downy Zieria as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Expect a small, velvety plant on arrival that fills out over its first seasons. Plant it into sandy, well draining soil soon after it arrives.

Tube stock comes from our grower, and from time to time there is none. When the tube shows as sold out, the notify button on this page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Planning a coastal garden that survives salt and wind
• More coastal and salt tolerant plants
• Plants for rockeries
• A guide to rare Australian native plants

Common questions

Will it cope with salt spray?

Yes. It grows on exposed coastal headlands in the wild and tolerates salt spray and strong wind once established.

Does it need full sun?

It prefers dappled or filtered light out of hot afternoon sun, but it is tough enough to handle open seaside positions.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes. Use a sandy, free draining mix, keep it in filtered light and water it regularly until it is established.