Draperia systyla Plant Care

Draperia systyla (Draperia systyla) belongs to the Boraginaceae family within the Draperia genus. Draperia systyla is native to California.

Draperia systyla displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Draperia systyla produces small bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, pink, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Draperia systyla 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.

Draperia systyla thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Draperia systyla tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Draperia systyla prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Draperia systyla to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Draperia systyla 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 partial shade to full sun and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Draperia systyla 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.

Draperia systyla can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 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 Draperia systyla 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.

Draperia systyla 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.

Draperia systyla can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.

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

Draperia systyla is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. 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.

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