Coyote Brush

Choosing the Right Spot: Coyote Brush is a hardy plant that loves sunlight, so pick a spot in your garden that gets plenty of sunshine throughout the day. It’s also great for areas with poor soil because it doesn’t need rich dirt to thrive—just make sure the area has good drainage. Standing water can harm its roots, so avoid spots where water tends to pool after rain.

What You’ll Need:

• Coyote Brush plant (it’s easier to start with young plants rather than seeds)
• Gardening gloves
• A small shovel or trowel
• Gravel or sand (optional, to improve drainage if your soil is heavy)
• Mulch (to help retain moisture and prevent weeds)

When to Plant: The best time to plant Coyote Brush is in early spring or fall when the weather is mild. This gives the plant time to settle in before extreme temperatures hit.

Tip: If you live in an area prone to wildfires, Coyote Brush is a fire-resistant plant, making it a smart choice for landscaping!

1. Digging the Hole: Start by digging a hole that’s about twice as wide as the root ball of your Coyote Brush plant but no deeper than the height of the root ball. This gives the roots space to spread out.
2. Improving Drainage: If your soil is heavy clay or doesn’t drain well, mix in some gravel or sand at the bottom of the hole to help water flow away from the roots.
3. Placing the Plant: Gently place the Coyote Brush into the hole. Make sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole with the soil you dug out, pressing it down lightly to remove air pockets.
4. Watering: After planting, give the plant a good soak. This helps the soil settle around the roots and ensures the plant gets the moisture it needs to start growing.
5. Mulching: Spread a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant, but keep it a few inches away from the stem to prevent rot. This will help the soil stay moist and reduce weed growth.

Tip: Don’t bury the stem too deep; keeping it at the same level as it was in the pot is key.

Sunlight Needs: Coyote Brush thrives in full sun, so make sure it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you live in a really hot climate, a bit of afternoon shade won’t hurt.

Watering Routine:

• For the first few months after planting, water your Coyote Brush about once a week to help it establish strong roots.
• Once it’s settled in, you can cut back on watering—it’s drought-tolerant and prefers dry conditions. Water every 2-3 weeks during dry spells.
• Always check the soil before watering. If the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.

Pruning Tips:

• Prune your Coyote Brush in late winter or early spring to shape it and encourage bushier growth.
• Remove any dead or leggy branches to keep the plant looking tidy and healthy.
• If you want a more compact shrub, you can trim it back by about one-third each year.

Fertilizer: You don’t need to fertilize Coyote Brush often—if at all! It’s adapted to poor soils, so adding fertilizer might actually do more harm than good. If you feel the need to feed it, use a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a year in early spring.

Tip: Overwatering is the biggest mistake people make with Coyote Brush. Remember, less is more when it comes to water!

Coyote Brush isn’t typically grown for harvesting since it’s mainly used as an ornamental or erosion-control plant. However, if you’re interested in using parts of the plant for crafts or arrangements, here’s what you can do:

When to Cut:

• You can prune branches anytime during the growing season, but late winter or early spring is ideal if you're shaping the plant.
• For fresh greenery, cut stems in the morning when the plant is most hydrated.

How to Cut:

• Use clean, sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts.
• Cut just above a leaf node (where leaves attach to the stem) to encourage new growth.

Drying the Foliage: If you want to use the branches in dried arrangements:

1. Bundle several stems together and hang them upside down in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
2. Let them dry for a couple of weeks until they’re fully dry and ready to use.

Tip: The flowers of Coyote Brush attract beneficial insects like bees, so consider leaving some blooms on the plant to support local wildlife.

Q: Why are the leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves usually mean overwatering. Coyote Brush doesn’t like soggy soil, so try cutting back on water and ensure the soil is draining properly.

Q: Can Coyote Brush survive frost?

A: Yes, it’s quite hardy and can handle light frost. However, if temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C), you may want to cover the plant with a frost cloth to protect it.

Q: Is Coyote Brush deer-resistant?

A: Yes! Deer generally avoid Coyote Brush, making it a great choice for gardens in areas with lots of wildlife.

Q: How fast does Coyote Brush grow?

A: It grows relatively quickly, especially if you water it regularly during the first year. Once established, it can spread and fill in bare areas fairly fast.

Q: Does Coyote Brush need a lot of maintenance?

A: Not really! It’s a low-maintenance plant that only needs occasional pruning to keep its shape and remove dead growth. Once established, it’s very drought-tolerant and doesn’t require much attention.