Borthwickia trifoliata Plant Care

Borthwickia trifoliata (Borthwickia trifoliata) belongs to the Resedaceae family within the Borthwickia genus.

Borthwickia trifoliata displays a small tree, upright growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Borthwickia trifoliata produces small clusters of white or pale yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Borthwickia trifoliata 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.

Borthwickia trifoliata thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Borthwickia trifoliata tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Borthwickia trifoliata prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

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

Borthwickia trifoliata is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Borthwickia trifoliata can spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 5 ft (1.5 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 Borthwickia trifoliata 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.

Borthwickia trifoliata 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.

Borthwickia trifoliata can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Borthwickia trifoliata is susceptible to aphids, 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.

Borthwickia trifoliata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Borthwickia trifoliata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.