Stinkwood Plant Care

Stinkwood (Coprosma putida) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Coprosma genus. Stinkwood is also known as Coprosma.

Stinkwood displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Stinkwood produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Stinkwood 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.

Stinkwood thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Stinkwood in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Coprosma putida tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Stinkwood prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining potting mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Stinkwood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Stinkwood 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 bright indirect light and well-draining potting mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Stinkwood 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.

Stinkwood can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 3 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 Stinkwood 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.

Stinkwood 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.

Stinkwood can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to slender coprosma plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Stinkwood is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, 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.

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