Drought-tolerant Turnera diffusa ‘Luisa’ released by USDA

Turnera diffusa ‘Luisa’ is a multi-stemmed, densely branched evergreen shrub that grows to about 2½-feet tall. Its small grayish-green leaves are aromatic when crushed. It produces a profusion of ½-inch yellow flowers that are borne in the axils of the more terminal leaves. Although the flowers last only a day, they are quickly replaced by new flowers the next day.
In the landscape, plants should be situated in full sun and planted in well-drained soils. Once established, plants are drought tolerant, requiring supplementary irrigation only during prolonged periods of no precipitation.
‘Luisa’ is estimated to be hardy to USDA Hardiness Zones 9B-11. Flowering occurs most of the year in South Florida ceasing only during the colder months.
‘Luisa’ was developed by USDA-Agricultural Research Service researchers in Miami and Puerto Rico. No pest or disease problems have occurred in 5 years of cultivation in Miami. USDA researchers said the plant can be used as an edging, ground cover, bedding and container plant. An article on ‘Luisa’ appeared in the December 2010 issue of Hort Science.

Pictured: Turnera diffusa ‘Luisa’ is a compact, multi-stemmed, densely branched evergreen shrub developed by USDA-ARS scientists in Miami and Puerto Rico that has potential for ornamental use.
Photo courtesy of USDA-Agricultural Research Service