Sundrops are heat and drought-tolerant native perennials that produce hundreds of cheery yellow flowers each spring.
Sundrops(Calyophus berlandieri)are tough,low-growing perennialsthat thrive in the summer heat.
In spring and early summer, hundreds of 2-inch-wide yellow flowers appear.
Credit:Rob Cardillo
Heres how to grow sundrops plants in your garden.
The range extends south into Northern Mexico.
A full-sun garden is a must for this plant, where it can soak up some heat.
Credit:Ashley Goldman
The tidy habit and cheeryyellow flowersmake sundrops a good choice forplanting along walkwaysand at thefront of the border garden.
Allow sundrops to trail over the edges of hardscape paths and patios to soften the harsh edges.
Water heavily after planting the sundrops plants.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Check the plant regularly and water as needed for the first year.
After that, reduce watering.
Ashley Goldman
Sundrops Care Tips
Sundrops require minimal care and arehighly drought-tolerantonce established.
Credit: Amy Haskell
Light
A sundrops plant prefersfull sunbut tolerates light shade.
It thrives in the intense summer sun and heat.
Soil and Water
Grow sundrops inpH-neutral to slightly alkalinesoil with low fertility.
Credit: Denny Schrock
It must havewell-drained soilto survive and requires little water.
If in doubt, go without.
Excessive moisture in the root zone can be deadly for sundrops.
Temperature and Humidity
Although sundrops thrive in the heat, they are also quite cold-tolerant.
Plants are root-hardy to at least 5F, possibly colder.
Young plants might experience tip dieback during a frost but quickly recover as the temperature warms.
Be mindful of the level of soil moisture in humid environments.
Sundrops prefer to be dry.
Fertilizer
This perennial is native to regions with low soil fertility.
Excessive fertilizer may weaken the plant.
If fertilizer is necessary, apply a balanced (10-10-10 or 20-20-20) slow-release fertilizer at half-strength in spring.
Resist the urge to add additional fertilizer throughout the year.
This plant is happy in lean soil.
Potting and Repotting Sundrops
Sundrops will grow in small pots and mixed containers.
Their naturally spreading habit and long bloom season make them aperfect spiller for mixed planters.
Individual specimens can be grown in smallterra-cotta containersto limit moisture in the root zone.
Plants rarely need to be repotted.
In areas with wet winters, move the pot under cover to eliminate the concern of excessive rain.
Excess moisture at the roots and cool temperatures could harm the plant.
Pests and Problems
Disease and insects dont usually affect sundrops.
The primary concern with this plant is excessive moisture.
Mature plants can survive weeks without supplemental water.
Water infrequently and dont allow the roots to sit in wet soil.
Do not plant sundrops inheavy clay soil.
Once saturated, clay takes a long time to dry, which can be fatal for the plant.
How to Propagate Sundrops
Sundrops plants can be propagated byseedsharvested from a mature plant or bycuttings.
Sow fresh seed directly in the garden in the fall.
you’re free to alsotake cuttings of new growthin early spring.
Dont allow the soil to dry completely, but ensure it doesnt stay saturated.
They attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
It is covered in bright, sunny yellow blooms throughout the summer.
Grow it asan annual or tender perennial.
Ladybird Lemonade
Calylophushybrid Ladybird Lemonade reaches 48 inches tall and spreads 20 inches wide.
It is extremely heat tolerant and is covered in pale yellow flowers throughout the season.
Grow it as a heat-loving annual or tender perennial.
Sundrops Companion Plants
Sedum
Sedumsare available in many colors, sizes, and textures.
Sedum is easy to grow and requires little maintenance.
Agave
Agaves come in a wide variety of sizes and colors.
The species is known for its dramatic foliage.
Pine Muhly
Pine muhlyis a small (1-3 feet tall) heat- and drought-tolerant evergreen grass.
After three or four years of successful growth, you may find that your plant loses vigor and dies.
Allow sundrops to self-seed to continue the legacy of this plant in your garden.
This plant spreads quickly by underground rhizomes.
