Well personally, I like this plant and have it in my garden. It's always a bit rangy, but it seems reasonably well behaved in full sun. I like the felty leaves and the look (not so much the smell) of the flowers. I wish mine would set seed; I would like to grow more of them. So that's my thought but I think you just have to decide if you like this plant and if it fits in with your garden.

Ian,
How many years does it take to reach blooming size? Annie Hayes of Annie's Annuals here in Richmond, Ca. has had one in the display gardens for 4 years now that has never bloomed, and it is already 8 feet tall. She has been tempted to rip it out as it seems it will never bloom and is taking up quite abit of valuable space. I wonder if this plant is form high elevations in the Atlas Mountains or something, and doesn't like slumming in more subtropical/mediterannean climates?

Mine was about that big when it first bloomed, maybe 8-9'. It might have been 4 years old from seed.... about 3 years from a 1 gallon plant. I'd at least give it one more year.... I'm assuming it's in full sun??

Great information--thanks. I don't know that I have the space to let the front one re-grow to eight feet to re-bloom, but I might keep the one in back. I do love the foliage--most mornings it's totally silvered with dew.

Hmm....must think about this. Keep the opinions and information coming.

Take care,
Grant

I planted my Atlas Broom in 1993 when it was a 3'ft 2 gallon specimen. It must be 15'ft tall or so and it blooms profusely every year. It had blooms on it when I purchased it. They are a common plant here on our island. I see lots of them when I do garden consulting. There are a couple of nice ones growing in our main town as well. Cheers, Banana Joe