Shrub
Florida Pennyroyal
Piloblephis rigida
Varieties We Carry
StandardPiloblephis rigida
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$9.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Apr 13.
LightFull Sun
WaterLow
Mature size8-12 inches × 12-18 inches
About Florida Pennyroyal
Florida pennyroyal (Piloblephis rigida) is a low-growing, aromatic native shrub endemic to Florida's scrub and sandhill habitats, with needle-like leaves that are intensely fragrant when crushed and small lavender to pink flowers that attract native bees. It is the sole species in its genus and an important plant in Florida's dry, fire-maintained upland ecosystems. Starting at $9.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
- Flower Color
- Purple
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
Bloom season. Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Light
Requires full sun in dry, open sites; mimics its native scrub and longleaf pine sandhill habitat. NE Florida gardens should site this plant in the sunniest, most exposed position to maximize flowering and plant vigor.
Water
Extremely drought tolerant; established plants rarely need supplemental irrigation in NE Florida's sandhill or scrub conditions. Wet soil or poor drainage will quickly cause decline — avoid all but the fastest-draining sites.
Soil & Fertilizer
Demands dry, nutrient-poor, acidic sandy soil matching its scrub and sandhill native habitat. Do not amend with organic matter or fertilize; rich conditions promote competing weeds and shorten plant lifespan. Replace plants every 3–5 years as needed.
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Common questions
Is Florida Pennyroyal a good plant for St. Augustine?
Florida Pennyroyal is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with high salt tolerance, reaching 8-12 inches × 12-18 inches.
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.