Buckleya distichophylla Plant Care

Buckleya distichophylla (Buckleya distichophylla) belongs to the Santalaceae family within the Buckleya genus. Buckleya distichophylla is native to the Southern United States.

Buckleya distichophylla displays a small shrub, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Buckleya distichophylla produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Buckleya distichophylla 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.

Buckleya distichophylla thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Buckleya distichophylla in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Buckleya distichophylla tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Buckleya distichophylla prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Buckleya distichophylla to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Buckleya distichophylla every 8 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 partial shade to full shade and well-draining sandy loam with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Buckleya distichophylla 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.

Buckleya distichophylla can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 Buckleya distichophylla 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.

Buckleya distichophylla 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.

Buckleya distichophylla can be propagated through seeds, root cuttings.

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

Buckleya distichophylla is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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.

Buckleya distichophylla grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Buckleya distichophylla is native to the Southern United States. In cooler regions, grow Buckleya distichophylla as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.