Dwarf grass tree Plant Care

Dwarf grass tree (Dracophyllum arboreum) belongs to the Ericaceae family within the Dracophyllum genus. Dwarf grass tree is native to the Chatham Islands of New Zealand, it reaches a height of 18 m (60 ft) and has leaves that differ between the juvenile and adult forms. Dwarf grass tree is also known as Mountain heath.

Dwarf grass tree displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Dwarf grass tree produces small, bell-shaped white or pink flowers in terminal clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Dwarf grass tree 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.

Dwarf grass tree thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Dracophyllum arboreum tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Dwarf grass tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining acidic soil mix with peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Dwarf grass tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Dwarf grass tree 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 acidic soil mix with peat moss and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Dwarf grass tree is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Dwarf grass tree 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 Dwarf grass tree 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.

Dwarf grass tree 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.

Dwarf grass tree can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to fiordland dragonwood plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Dwarf grass tree 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.

Dwarf grass tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Dwarf grass tree is native to the Chatham Islands of New Zealand, it reaches a height of 18 m (60 ft) and has leaves that differ between the juvenile and adult forms. In cooler regions, grow Dwarf grass tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.