Audouinia esterhuyseniae Plant Care

Audouinia esterhuyseniae (Audouinia esterhuyseniae) belongs to the Bruniaceae family within the Audouinia genus. Audouinia esterhuyseniae is native to the Western Cape and occurs in the Hex River Mountains and the Stettynsberg.

Audouinia esterhuyseniae displays a low, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Audouinia esterhuyseniae produces small, white, star-shaped flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Audouinia esterhuyseniae 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.

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

Audouinia esterhuyseniae tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Audouinia esterhuyseniae prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining acidic soil mix with peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Audouinia esterhuyseniae to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Audouinia esterhuyseniae 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 acidic soil mix with peat moss and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Audouinia esterhuyseniae 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.

Audouinia esterhuyseniae can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 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 Audouinia esterhuyseniae 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.

Audouinia esterhuyseniae 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.

Audouinia esterhuyseniae can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cape yellowwood plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Audouinia esterhuyseniae is susceptible to aphids, 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.

Audouinia esterhuyseniae grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Audouinia esterhuyseniae is native to the Western Cape and occurs in the Hex River Mountains and the Stettynsberg. In cooler regions, grow Audouinia esterhuyseniae as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.