Name:  Calocephalus brownii ‘Silver Sand’ aka Cushion Bush

Type of Plant:  A silver-foliaged, finely textured plant typically sold as an annual in most of the US. This is also becoming a popular holiday plant at this time of year, however, because the texture and color work so well with other plants sold at this time.

Why I Love This Plant:  I love having more holiday plant choices, and this is a great one. Because Calocephalus is drought tolerant, it can go a bit dry indoors.

A Word to the Wise:  Although this plant is evergreen in a Zone 10, it’s not usually seen as a plant that you keep for a long time in the north. However, if you want to keep it beyond the holidays and plant it outside next spring, grow the cushion bush in a sunny window for the rest of the winter, watering it when the soil is dry. You can trim and fertilize the plant when it goes outside when you normally plant your summer annuals.

This silver cushion bush is wonderful in plant displays or when combined in a basket for indoor winter decor.

I think that the color and texture of Calocephalus brownii ‘Silver Sand’ is the perfect companion for red Poinsettias.

It’s hard to fine a more silver-foliaged plant than Calocephalus brownii ‘Silver Sand.’