American Sweetleaf Plant Care

American Sweetleaf (Andersonglossum virginianum) belongs to the Boraginaceae family within the Andersonglossum genus. American Sweetleaf is native to North America. American Sweetleaf is also known as Virginia Sweetleaf, Wild Sweetleaf.

American Sweetleaf displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. American Sweetleaf produces small bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted American Sweetleaf 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.

American Sweetleaf thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Andersonglossum virginianum tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. American Sweetleaf prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for American Sweetleaf to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed American Sweetleaf 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 shade to full sun and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

American Sweetleaf 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.

American Sweetleaf can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 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 American Sweetleaf 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.

American Sweetleaf 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.

American Sweetleaf can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to wild comfrey plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

American Sweetleaf is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. 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.

American Sweetleaf grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. American Sweetleaf is native to North America. In cooler regions, grow American Sweetleaf as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.