Fragrant Anneslea Plant Care

Fragrant Anneslea (Anneslea fragrans) belongs to the Pentaphylacaceae family within the Anneslea genus. Fragrant Anneslea is native to Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, growing in forests or thickets on mountain slopes or in valleys.

Fragrant Anneslea displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Fragrant Anneslea produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Fragrant Anneslea every 7–10 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.

Fragrant Anneslea thrives in filtered sunlight or partial shade. Avoid placing Fragrant Anneslea in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Anneslea fragrans tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Fragrant Anneslea prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content such as peat moss and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Fragrant Anneslea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Fragrant Anneslea 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 filtered sunlight or partial shade and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content such as peat moss and pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Fragrant Anneslea is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11b.

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.

Fragrant Anneslea can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 Fragrant Anneslea 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.

Fragrant Anneslea is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Fragrant Anneslea can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to anneslea hainanensis plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Fragrant Anneslea 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.

Fragrant Anneslea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Fragrant Anneslea is native to Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, growing in forests or thickets on mountain slopes or in valleys. In cooler regions, grow Fragrant Anneslea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.