Basutoland Star Flower Plant Care

Basutoland Star Flower (Anthospermum basuticum) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Anthospermum genus. Basutoland Star Flower is native to Lesotho. Basutoland Star Flower is also known as Basutoland Anthospermum.

Basutoland Star Flower displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Basutoland Star Flower produces small, white, star-shaped flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Basutoland Star Flower 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.

Basutoland Star Flower thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Basutoland Star Flower in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Anthospermum basuticum tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Basutoland Star Flower prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Basutoland Star Flower to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Basutoland Star Flower 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 bright indirect light and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Basutoland Star Flower is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Basutoland Star Flower can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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 Basutoland Star Flower 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.

Basutoland Star Flower 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.

Basutoland Star Flower can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to south african broom plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Basutoland Star Flower is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects. 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.

Basutoland Star Flower grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Basutoland Star Flower is native to Lesotho. In cooler regions, grow Basutoland Star Flower as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.