Varieties We Bring In
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We received some Rusty Lyonia on Mar 11, 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.
Last received Mar 11, 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.
Pet toxicity: not on file, check before planting where pets chew
Pet safety guideAbout Rusty Lyonia
Rusty lyonia (Lyonia ferruginea) is a native evergreen shrub or small tree endemic to the coastal plain of the southeastern United States, characterized by distinctive rusty-brown scales on its young twigs and leaf undersides and small, urn-shaped white flowers in spring. It is a dominant species in Florida scrub and dry flatwood habitats.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Flower Color
- White, Pink
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Acidic, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended months: March, April, May, September, October, November.
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Handles summer heat well once established.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Grows best in full sun to partial sun; endemic to Florida scrub and dry flatwoods where light is abundant. Tolerates light shade at the woodland edge but may become open and leggy without adequate sun.
Very drought tolerant once established; adapted to the xeric, well-drained sandy soils of Florida scrub. No supplemental watering needed after establishment; avoid poorly drained or irrigated sites.
Requires acidic, sandy, extremely well-drained soil — characteristic of Florida scrub habitat. No fertilizer needed; excess nutrients are counterproductive. Do not plant in clay or amended soils.
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Common questions
Is Rusty Lyonia a good plant for St. Augustine?
Rusty Lyonia is a shrub. Mature size: 10-20 feet × 6-10 feet. Light: Full Sun, Part Sun. Water needs: Low. Rusty Lyonia is native to Florida. Recorded hardiness zone: 9a.
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.