Skutch's Aegiphila Plant Care

Skutch's Aegiphila (Aegiphila skutchii) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Aegiphila genus. Skutch's Aegiphila is native to Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. Skutch's Aegiphila is also known as Skutch's Bushmint.

Skutch's Aegiphila displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Skutch's Aegiphila produces small clusters of white or lavender flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Skutch's Aegiphila every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Skutch's Aegiphila thrives in partial to full sun.

Aegiphila skutchii tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Skutch's Aegiphila prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Skutch's Aegiphila to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Skutch's Aegiphila every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial to full sun and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Skutch's Aegiphila is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Skutch's Aegiphila can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Skutch's Aegiphila while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Skutch's Aegiphila is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Skutch's Aegiphila can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Skutch's Aegiphila is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Skutch's Aegiphila grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Skutch's Aegiphila is native to Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. In cooler regions, grow Skutch's Aegiphila as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.