Ringstem Plant Care

Ringstem (Anulocaulis annulatus) belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family within the Anulocaulis genus. Ringstem is native to the Mojave Desert of California, especially in the vicinity of Death Valley.

Ringstem displays a low spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Ringstem produces small tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Ringstem 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.

Ringstem thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Anulocaulis annulatus tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Ringstem prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Sandy, well-draining soil mix with added perlite and gravel. Good drainage is essential for Ringstem to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Ringstem 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 full sun to partial shade and sandy, well-draining soil mix with added perlite and gravel. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Ringstem is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Ringstem can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 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 Ringstem 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.

Ringstem is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Ringstem can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Ringstem is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, 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.

Ringstem grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Ringstem is native to the Mojave Desert of California, especially in the vicinity of Death Valley. In cooler regions, grow Ringstem as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.