Ocean Spray
holodiscus discolor
Also known as: ["Cream Bush","Ironwood"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to western North America, known for its drooping clusters of creamy-white flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Holodiscus |
| Botanical Name: | Holodiscus discolor |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: mixed shrub border or woodland edge
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates average garden soil.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct or dappled sunlight daily, with protection from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from scorching by providing shade during peak hours; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.
Mulch to retain moisture, avoid compacted soil, and test pH periodically.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, 50–75°F (10–24°C). Tolerates cooler nights and can withstand light frosts.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; ensure good air circulation in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly after pruning; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood stem cuttings in late spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, place in medium, maintain humidity, and transplant once rooted.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F).
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot or ground within 1–2 growing seasons.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches, heading back to shape, and removal of crossing or weak stems.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage airflow and flowering.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune at the right time, make clean cuts, remove debris, and monitor for regrowth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and space.
Checklist
Choose right pot, prepare new soil, inspect roots, prune if needed, water after repotting, and place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry before nightfall.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter to once every 3–4 weeks. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat, leaf drop or wilting in cold stress, stunted growth in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or turn brown; growth slows or halts; buds may fail to open in prolonged cold.
Solution: Provide frost protection with mulch or row covers; move potted plants indoors; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or premature leaf drop; reduced flowering in extreme heat.
Solution: Increase watering frequency, provide shade during peak sun, improve air circulation, and mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type, dilute properly, apply during active growth, avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if needed; avoid fertilizing in late fall or winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicHolodiscus discolor is not considered toxic to cats. It does not produce any known toxic effects or physiological impacts when ingested by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicHolodiscus discolor is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects or physiological impacts associated with ingestion by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicHolodiscus discolor, commonly known as ocean spray, is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known toxic effects or physiological impacts when ingested in typical amounts.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Ocean Spray attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: Is Holodiscus discolor toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: What are the common problems with this plant?
A: Common issues include leaf spots and wilting.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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