Grayleaf Teabush
Melochia tomentosa
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Mar 9, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Grayleaf Teabush
Grayleaf teabush (Melochia tomentosa) is a tropical shrub native to Florida, the Caribbean, and tropical America with soft, gray-green velvety foliage and small pink to lavender flowers produced almost continuously in warm weather. It is an underutilized native with strong pollinator value. Starting at $9.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
- Flower Color
- Pink
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
Bloom season. Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Plant Grayleaf Teabush in full sun for maximum bloom and compact growth; it tolerates light shade but flowers less profusely. In NE Florida, full sun also improves air circulation and reduces humidity-related issues.
Drought-tolerant once established; water new plants regularly until roots are established (about 8–12 weeks), then reduce to supplemental watering during extended dry periods. Overwatering or poorly drained soil should be avoided.
Grows best in well-drained, sandy to loamy soils typical of NE Florida; tolerates poor, dry soils and limestone. Fertilize lightly with a balanced slow-release formula (1-1-1 ratio) once in spring; heavy fertilization promotes excess vegetative growth over flowering.
Similar needs
Beautyberry
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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Baby Sun Rose
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Bulbine Lily
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Chaste Tree
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Common questions
Is Grayleaf Teabush a good plant for St. Augustine?
Grayleaf Teabush is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with medium salt tolerance, reaching 6-10 feet × 6-8 feet (smaller with pruning).
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.