Four-Winged Myrtle Plant Care

Four-Winged Myrtle (Backhousia tetraptera) belongs to the Myrtaceae family within the Backhousia genus.

Four-Winged Myrtle displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Four-Winged Myrtle produces small white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Four-Winged Myrtle every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Four-Winged Myrtle thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Backhousia tetraptera tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Four-Winged Myrtle prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Four-Winged Myrtle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Four-Winged Myrtle every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Four-Winged Myrtle is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Four-Winged Myrtle can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Four-Winged Myrtle 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 tree in one year.

Four-Winged Myrtle 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.

Four-Winged Myrtle can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to backhousia angustifolia plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Four-Winged Myrtle is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. 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.

Four-Winged Myrtle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Four-Winged Myrtle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.