Falcata hopbush Plant Care

Falcata hopbush (Dodonaea falcata) belongs to the Sapindaceae family within the Dodonaea genus. Falcata hopbush is native to eastern Australia.

Falcata hopbush displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Falcata hopbush produces inconspicuous small greenish flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Falcata hopbush 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.

Falcata hopbush thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Dodonaea falcata tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Falcata hopbush prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Falcata hopbush to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Falcata hopbush 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 sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Falcata hopbush 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.

Falcata hopbush 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 Falcata hopbush 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.

Falcata hopbush 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.

Falcata hopbush can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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Falcata hopbush 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.

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