Bossiaea spinosa Plant Care

Bossiaea spinosa (Bossiaea spinosa) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Bossiaea genus. Bossiaea spinosa is native to the south-west of Western Australia.

Bossiaea spinosa displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Bossiaea spinosa produces bright yellow pea-like flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Bossiaea spinosa 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.

Bossiaea spinosa thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Bossiaea spinosa tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Bossiaea spinosa prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Bossiaea spinosa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Bossiaea spinosa 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 loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Bossiaea spinosa 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.

Bossiaea spinosa can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 Bossiaea spinosa 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.

Bossiaea spinosa 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.

Bossiaea spinosa can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alpine bossiaea plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Bossiaea spinosa is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, leafhoppers. 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.

Bossiaea spinosa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Bossiaea spinosa is native to the south-west of Western Australia. In cooler regions, grow Bossiaea spinosa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.