Lenophyllum guttatum

Lenophyllum guttatum, or Sharpleaf Lenophyllum, is a small shrub that is native to Florida and the Caribbean. It is an evergreen with triangle shaped leaves that are silver-green in color with brown markings. It has a compact, upright growth habit and usually grows to a height of 2-5 ft with a spread of about 3 ft.

Generally, Lenophyllum guttatum prefers full sun and moderate water, although it is only moderately tolerant to wet conditions. Once the shrub is established it has a good drought tolerance and can easily handle dry conditions too. The foliage is its most ornamental feature, with the silver-green leaves that have the brown markings and yellow-orange flowers appearing in the summer.

When grown in USDA Zone 9-11, Lenophyllum guttatum can be planted either in the ground or in a pot. For those living in a colder region, it is best to keep the shrub in a pot so it can be brought indoors during the cooler months and overwinter. Growing the shrub in a pot requires well-drained soil, filtered sunlight and occasional watering. If possible, the container should be moved to an area with better sunlight, or suplement with artificial light. During the summer, it is important to remember to adequately water the shrub and to fertilize using a balanced fertilizer every couple of months to help promote healthy growth.