Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Observe how many hours of direct sun the plant receives.
- Check if nearby trees or structures are casting shade.
- Look for signs of new growth near the base of the plant.
Likely causes
Insufficient Sunlight
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems are long and thin with large gaps between the leaves. The plant leans heavily toward the nearest light source.
What to do: Move the plant to a location that receives at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If it is in a shaded area, it will continue to stretch until it gets more light.
Lack of Pruning
PossibleHow to tell: The plant is tall and sparse but otherwise healthy. It has not been trimmed back after its flowering cycle.
What to do: Prune back the long, woody stems by one third in late winter or early spring. This encourages the plant to branch out and grow a fuller shape.
Find out what's wrong with your rubber rabbitbrush
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
It is not a health emergency, but the plant will look sparse and may be prone to snapping in high winds. It is normal for older plants to lose some lower foliage over time.
Stopping it coming back
Plant in full sun and prune lightly each spring to maintain a dense form.
Rubber rabbitbrush: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your rubber rabbitbrush and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
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Questions people ask
- Will pruning make it grow back thicker?
- Yes, pruning stimulates new growth from the nodes, which helps the plant fill out. Always use clean, sharp shears.
- Can I grow this plant indoors?
- It is very difficult to provide enough light indoors, so it will almost always become leggy. It is best kept as an outdoor landscape plant.
More problems with Rubber rabbitbrush
Back to the Rubber rabbitbrush guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.