Spatulateleaf Arnica Plant Care

Spatulateleaf Arnica (Arnica spathulata) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Arnica genus. Spatulateleaf Arnica is native to the Klamath Mountains of northwestern California and southwestern Oregon.

Spatulateleaf Arnica displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Spatulateleaf Arnica produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Spatulateleaf Arnica 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.

Spatulateleaf Arnica thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Arnica spathulata tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Spatulateleaf Arnica prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining, loamy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Spatulateleaf Arnica to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Spatulateleaf Arnica 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 well-draining, loamy soil with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Spatulateleaf Arnica 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.

Spatulateleaf Arnica can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 2 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 Spatulateleaf Arnica 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.

Spatulateleaf Arnica 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.

Spatulateleaf Arnica can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to doronicum acaule plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Spatulateleaf Arnica is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, 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.

Spatulateleaf Arnica grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Spatulateleaf Arnica is native to the Klamath Mountains of northwestern California and southwestern Oregon. In cooler regions, grow Spatulateleaf Arnica as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.