In recent years, a number of Australian plants have been introduced to America with the highly popular fan flower being one example. One of the newer ones is the Bed Head (Calocephalus brownii) silverbush. This species is known as cushionbush in England. It is a member of the daisy family.

Bed Head silverbush happens to be the first variety of this species that can be grown from seed. The species is native to Tasmania and Australia, and has become quite popular in Europe. For some years, the species plant has been grown in warmer parts of California, particularly in some areas along the coast.

Silverbush has many landscape uses in warm climates. In England, it is mainly used as an edging plant. It makes an ideal annual foliage plant for flower beds and borders. In warm climates, this is an evergreen perennial. Elsewhere, it is grown as an annual.

Silverbush can also be used as a tall ground cover. This is also suitable for rock gardens and mixed containers. It also makes a stunning topiary. Bed Head silverbush can also serve as an accent plant.

This plant is a perfect choice for cutting and craft gardens. The species is widely grown as a cut flower in the Netherlands, and is quite popular in the flower markets. The fresh stems are used as foliage for floral arrangements. These can also be dried. They’re quite beautiful when dyed.

Bed Head silverbush is named for the very dense, exquisitely soft silvery foliage. The common name cushionnbush refers to the button-like flower heads. One-half inch wide, these form clusters.

The mounded plant can reach three feet in height with an equal spread under good growing conditions. The very delicate-looking scale or thread-like leaves are only 1/8th of an inch long and cling to the flexible branching stems.


Growing Bed Head Silverbush

This plant is suitable for full sun to partial shade. In cold climates, it is quite suitable for spring and fall gardens as a seasonal annual. It is tolerant to drought, wind and salt spray. Silverbush requires a dry, quick draining soil. Gravelly or sandy soils are ideal. A pH of 5.5 to 6.2 is preferred.

Allow the soil to dry out before watering for this plant really does prefer to be on the dry side. For best results, it should be fertilized on a regular basis during the growing season. A soluble fertilizer that contains iron and calcium is a good choice.

Bed Head Silverbush should be available at local nurseries and garden centers in time for the 2018 gardening season. Seeds may also be available for gardeners who wish to start their own plants. Those in areas with short growing seasons will likely want to start the seeds early indoors.

These seeds take two to three weeks to sprout. Cover them lightly. Germination is best when the temperature is around 70 degrees F.