Red-stemmed ragwort Plant Care

Red-stemmed ragwort (Crassocephalum rubens) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Crassocephalum genus. Red-stemmed ragwort is also known as Amuntia.

Red-stemmed ragwort displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Red-stemmed ragwort produces small, daisy-like flowers in yellow or white.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Red-stemmed ragwort 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.

Red-stemmed ragwort thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Crassocephalum rubens tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Red-stemmed ragwort prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Red-stemmed ragwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Red-stemmed ragwort 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, fertile soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Red-stemmed ragwort is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Red-stemmed ragwort 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 Red-stemmed ragwort 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.

Red-stemmed ragwort 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.

Red-stemmed ragwort can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to young 158 plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Red-stemmed ragwort is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, 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.

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