Hispidula hopbush Plant Care

Hispidula hopbush (Dodonaea hispidula) belongs to the Sapindaceae family within the Dodonaea genus. Hispidula hopbush is native to tropical northern Australia.

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

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Hispidula 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.

Hispidula hopbush thrives in full sun to partial shade.

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

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

Feed Hispidula 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.

Hispidula 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.

Hispidula 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 Hispidula 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.

Hispidula 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.

Hispidula hopbush can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to adenophora hop bush plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Hispidula 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.

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