Thryallis

Thryallis (Galphimia glauca)

Common Names: Thryallis, Rain-of-Gold, Gold Shower, Spray-of-Gold.

Best Growing Environment: Native to Mexico and Central America, Thryallis is a tropical evergreen shrub that thrives in regions with warm climates. It prefers well-draining soils and can adapt to various soil types, from sandy to loamy to even slightly clayey. However, ensure the location doesn't hold water, as this plant doesn't like "wet feet."

Average Height: Thryallis usually reaches heights between 6 to 10 feet. With a similar spread, it forms a rounded shape, making it suitable for hedges, screens, or stand-alone shrubbery.

Growth Rate: Thryallis boasts a moderate to fast growth rate, quickly establishing itself in the landscape.

Sun Requirements: To promote its profuse yellow flowering, Thryallis should be planted in a spot where it can receive full sun, meaning 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate partial shade, flowering might be reduced in such conditions.

Cold Hardiness: Thryallis is hardy down to USDA zone 9b. While it can handle cooler temperatures, it's susceptible to frost damage. If frost is anticipated, consider covering the plant or providing some form of frost protection.

Water Requirements: While fairly drought-tolerant once established, Thryallis benefits from regular watering when young. Mature plants should be watered when the top few inches of soil feel dry. Over-watering or letting the plant sit in waterlogged soil can lead to root diseases.

Fertilizing Guide: For optimum growth and flowering, feed Thryallis with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the early spring and again in mid-summer. Ensure you follow the recommended application rate on the fertilizer label.

Planting Guide: Choose a location with full sun and well-draining soil. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but not deeper. Gently remove the plant from its container and set it in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole, patting down the soil to remove air pockets. Water the plant deeply after planting.

USDA Zone: Thryallis is best grown in USDA zones 9b to 11.

Thryallis is a bright, cheerful plant that's prized for its sprays of golden-yellow flowers, which bloom prolifically in the late summer and continue into the fall. Its resilience in the face of heat and its adaptability to different soil types makes it a favorite for many gardeners in warmer regions. Whether used as a backdrop, hedge, or focal point, Thryallis brings a splash of tropical color to any landscape.