Andersonia simplex Plant Care
Andersonia simplex (Stschegl.) Druce
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Andersonia simplex, commonly known as spiked andersonia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Ericaceae and is endemic to the south of Western Australia. It is an erect or ascending shrub, usually with ascending branches, pointed lance-shaped or egg-shaped, sometimes twisted, wavy leaves, and pink and blue, purple or reddish-purple flowers.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Andersonia simplex?
Plant Andersonia simplex in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Andersonia simplex Native To?
What Is the Andersonia simplex?
Andersonia simplex (Andersonia simplex) belongs to the Ericaceae family within the Andersonia genus. Andersonia simplex is native to the south of Western Australia.
Andersonia simplex displays a compact, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Andersonia simplex produces small clusters of pink, white, or red tubular flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Andersonia simplex?
Water a young or newly planted Andersonia simplex 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Andersonia simplex Need?
Andersonia simplex thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Andersonia simplex Prefer?
Andersonia simplex tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Andersonia simplex prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Andersonia simplex?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Andersonia simplex to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Andersonia simplex?
Feed Andersonia simplex 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Andersonia simplex?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Andersonia simplex 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Andersonia simplex?
Andersonia simplex can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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.
How Do You Prune a Andersonia simplex?
Prune Andersonia simplex 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.
How Do You Care for a Andersonia simplex in Winter?
Andersonia simplex 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.
How Do You Propagate a Andersonia simplex?
Andersonia simplex can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to lehmann's andersonia plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Andersonia simplex Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Andersonia simplex, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Andersonia simplex?
Andersonia simplex is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Andersonia simplex Need?
Andersonia simplex grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Andersonia simplex is native to the south of Western Australia. In cooler regions, grow Andersonia simplex as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Andersonia simplex is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Andersonia genus — compare its care with other Andersonia species on PlantoScan.
Andersonia is part of the Ericaceae plant family — browse all Ericaceae genera and species.
Andersonia simplex thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Andersonia Species
Other Andersonia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Andersonia simplex (Stschegl.) Druce, family Ericaceae (first published in Rep. Bot. Soc. Exch. Club Brit. Isles 4: 604 (1916 publ. 1917)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Andersonia simplex, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
