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| Silver Dalea Dalea bicolor var. argyraea (D. argyraea) Fabaceae (Leguminosae) Silver dalea is a striking, rounded shrub with delicate silver-gray leaves and purple flower spikes in summer and fall. Native to the Trans-Pecos, where it grows in full sun on rocky limestone hills, it is extremely drought and heat tolerant. As a landscape plant, it needs little maintenance other than shearing in the spring. Silver dalea is an excellent choice for erosion control on dry rocky slopes, as a groundcover in dry, poor soil, or areas that receive reflected heat. It is especially effective in mass plantings; its fine foliage creates a soft effect. It must have full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. As it is difficult to propagate, it is rarely available commercially. It is hardy to about 10 degrees F. Another native of the Chihuahua desert, Dalea bicolor var. bicolor, is fast growing with green foliage and blue flowers but is less cold hardy.
Plant Habit or Use: groundcover Exposure: sun Flower Color: purple
Blooming Period: summer Fruit Characteristics: small indehiscent pod Height: 2 to 3 feet Width: 2 to 3 feet Plant Character: evergreen Heat Tolerance: very high Water Requirements:
Soil Requirements: alkaline Additional Comments:
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