Teabush
(Melochia tomentosa)
Teabush (Melochia tomentosa)
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Juan Chavez
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Juan Chavez
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Juan Chavez | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Juan Chavez | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-09-24T10:29:51-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Melochia tomentosa, commonly known as Teabush, is an evergreen perennial subshrub that is native to open woodlands, scrublands, and coastal areas in the Tropical and Subtropical America and South America. It typically grows to a height of 3-13 feet (0.9-4 meters) and a width of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters). The plant has a bushy form with velvety leaves and stems. During the summer months, Teabush produces clusters of small, five-petaled flowers that are pink to purple in color, which are moderately showy and attract pollinators.
Teabush is valued for its drought tolerance and the textural interest provided by its fuzzy foliage. It is often used in xeriscaping, as an informal hedge, or in butterfly gardens due to its attractiveness to pollinators. This plant thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil, making it suitable for areas with fast drainage. While it can tolerate medium amounts of water, it is also quite drought-resistant once established. Teabush has no major disease problems, but it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. It is not known to have aggressive roots or to be particularly invasive when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Teabush is valued for its drought tolerance and the textural interest provided by its fuzzy foliage. It is often used in xeriscaping, as an informal hedge, or in butterfly gardens due to its attractiveness to pollinators. This plant thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil, making it suitable for areas with fast drainage. While it can tolerate medium amounts of water, it is also quite drought-resistant once established. Teabush has no major disease problems, but it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. It is not known to have aggressive roots or to be particularly invasive when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Subshrub, Shrub, Herb
- Height: 3-10 feet
- Width: 4-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands, scrublands, and coastal areas in the Neotropics
Other Names
Common Names: Pyramid Bush, Bretónica Afelpada, Broom Weed, Broom Wood
Scientific Names: , Melochia tomentosa, Melochia tomentosa var. tomentosa, Melochia plicata, Melochia tomentosa var. bahiensis, Melochia tormentosa, Melochia arida, Sida rajoides, Melochia crenata, Melochia tomentosa var. typica
GBIF Accepted Name: Melochia tomentosa L.