Aspalathus forbesii Plant Care

Aspalathus forbesii (Aspalathus forbesii) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Aspalathus genus. Aspalathus forbesii is native to the Western Cape.

Aspalathus forbesii displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Aspalathus forbesii produces small, colorful pea-like flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 1.5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Aspalathus forbesii 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.

Aspalathus forbesii thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Aspalathus forbesii tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Aspalathus forbesii prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Aspalathus forbesii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Aspalathus forbesii 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 sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Aspalathus forbesii 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.

Aspalathus forbesii can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 Aspalathus forbesii 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.

Aspalathus forbesii 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.

Aspalathus forbesii can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to prickly aspalathus plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Aspalathus forbesii is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, 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.

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