One of my favorite plants
A number of years ago, a very good friend of mine was writing these articles for the Breeze. One of the feature plants that she wrote about was the plant “Thryallis.” Because of her article, I went out and purchased it and I am forever happy that I did. It flowers all year long, needs little fertilizing in good soil and doesn’t get too tall. The references say that Thryallis can grow 5-9 feet tall with a spread of 4-6 feet. However, I have not seen the height and spread that the references report.
It prefers full sun but will tolerate shade. I planted it under a large plumeria (frangipani). In the summer, most plants are thankful for a little shade but when the plumeria leaves drop in the fall, the Thryallis is in full sun and the area doesn’t look so bare with the Thryallis blooming between the plumeria stems. Thryallis can also be planted as a hedge. It takes pruning very well as it can be maintained to the desired shape.
There are a number of common names for Thryallis: Rain of Gold, Shower of Gold, Gold Shower and others. Thryallis is not native but is Florida Friendly. There seems to be several scientific names for this plant also. Galphimia speciousa or Galphima glauca are two that were found in different references.
Thryallis will be evergreen and flowers all year in Sones 9b to 11 but in colder area will be deciduous until spring. Since Cape Coral is Zone 10b, we don’t have to worry about that. We do have to worry about our high pH soils though. Thryallis likes a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.2. Since Cape Coral soils are more basic having a pH anywhere from 7.5 to 8.2, it is wise to use 3-4 inches of mulch. This will bring the pH down over time. Thryallis can withstand any type of soil texture but prefers well drained soils and is drought tolerant, which is a big advantage in the winter months. When this plant is healthy, it is virtually pest free and is not known to be invasive.
Another plus for Thryallis is that it is an attractant for hummingbirds, bees and other pollinators. Certain cultures will use Thryallis for medicinal purposes. In Mexico, it is used in traditional medicine as an antihistamine, anticonvulsant, anti-allergen, sedative and more.
One of the reasons I like this plant is that it can be used in small designs. When the stems are placed in water overnight, the cutting will stand up in a design for two to three days. The flower blends well with other colors, especially purple.
Thryallis is self-sowing but can be propagated either through planting the seeds or taking a cutting, dipping the moistened stem end in rooting powder and placing the stem in potting soil. In about six months, the new plant will start to flower.
I do hope you will enjoy this plant as much as I do.
Kathy Woodlock is Past President of the Garden Club of Cape Coral, a Master Gardener/Citrus Advisor and flower show judge.