Western Bursaria Plant Care

Western Bursaria (Bursaria occidentalis) belongs to the Pittosporaceae family within the Bursaria genus. Western Bursaria is native to Western Australia.

Western Bursaria displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Western Bursaria produces small white or cream flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Western Bursaria 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.

Western Bursaria thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Bursaria occidentalis tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Western Bursaria prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Western Bursaria to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Western Bursaria 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 loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Western Bursaria 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.

Western Bursaria can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Western Bursaria 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.

Western Bursaria 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.

Western Bursaria can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to limestone bursaria plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Western Bursaria 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.

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