How much sun does Scrub Balm need?

Scrub Balm grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Scrub Balm bloom?

Scrub Balm blooms in September, October, and November.

Where is Scrub Balm native?

Scrub Balm (Dicerandra frutescens) is native to FL, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Scrub Balm attract?

Scrub Balm draws bees and butterflies.

Is Scrub Balm HOA-friendly?

Scrub Balm is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Scrub Balm

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Dicerandra frutescens

Last reviewed: June 2026

Toxicity unknown

Scrub Balm (Dicerandra frutescens) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern Coastal Plain

Scrub balm is a compact, aromatic shrub native to scrub habitats. It produces small purple flowers in fall and maintains a neat, rounded form year-round. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in sandy soils and requires minimal care once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Scrub Balm is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The fall blooms attract native bees and butterflies during a season when few other plants are flowering. The aromatic foliage also provides habitat for beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Scrub Balm need?: Scrub Balm grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Scrub Balm bloom?: Scrub Balm blooms in September, October, and November.
Where is Scrub Balm native?: Scrub Balm (Dicerandra frutescens) is native to FL, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Scrub Balm attract?: Scrub Balm draws bees and butterflies.
Is Scrub Balm HOA-friendly?: Scrub Balm is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Scrub Balm? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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