Drummonds Star-bush Plant Care
Asterolasia drummondii Paul G.Wilson
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Asterolasia drummondii, commonly known as Gairdner Range starbush, is a species of small shrub that is endemic to a restricted area of the southwest of Western Australia. It has egg-shaped leaves and white flowers arranged in umbels of five to ten flowers with rust-coloured, star-shaped hairs on the back of the petals.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Drummonds Star-bush?
Plant Drummonds Star-bush in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–14 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 Drummonds Star-bush Native To?
What Is the Drummonds Star-bush?
Drummonds Star-bush (Asterolasia drummondii) belongs to the Rutaceae family within the Asterolasia genus. Drummonds Star-bush is native to a restricted area of the southwest of Western Australia.
Drummonds Star-bush displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Drummonds Star-bush produces small white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Drummonds Star-bush?
Water a young or newly planted Drummonds Star-bush every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Drummonds Star-bush Need?
Drummonds Star-bush thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Drummonds Star-bush Prefer?
Asterolasia drummondii tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Drummonds Star-bush prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Drummonds Star-bush?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Drummonds Star-bush to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Drummonds Star-bush?
Feed Drummonds Star-bush 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 Drummonds Star-bush?
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.
Drummonds Star-bush 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 Drummonds Star-bush?
Drummonds Star-bush 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.
How Do You Prune a Drummonds Star-bush?
Prune Drummonds Star-bush 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 Drummonds Star-bush in Winter?
Drummonds Star-bush 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 Drummonds Star-bush?
Drummonds Star-bush can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to starflower plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Drummonds Star-bush Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Drummonds Star-bush, 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 Drummonds Star-bush?
Drummonds Star-bush is susceptible to scale insects, spider mites, aphids. 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 Drummonds Star-bush Need?
Drummonds Star-bush grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Drummonds Star-bush is native to a restricted area of the southwest of Western Australia. In cooler regions, grow Drummonds Star-bush as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Drummonds Star-bush 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 Asterolasia genus — compare its care with other Asterolasia species on PlantoScan.
Asterolasia is part of the Rutaceae plant family — browse all Rutaceae genera and species.
Drummonds Star-bush thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Asterolasia Species
Other Asterolasia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Asterolasia drummondii Paul G.Wilson, family Rutaceae (first published in Nuytsia 6: 8 (1987)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Drummonds Star-bush, 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.
