Smallhead Dubautia Plant Care

Smallhead Dubautia (Dubautia microcephala) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Dubautia genus. Smallhead Dubautia is native to the island of Kauai in Hawaii.

Smallhead Dubautia displays a low shrub, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Smallhead Dubautia produces small yellow daisy-like flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Smallhead Dubautia 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.

Smallhead Dubautia thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Dubautia microcephala tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Smallhead Dubautia prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Smallhead Dubautia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Smallhead Dubautia 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 sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Smallhead Dubautia 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.

Smallhead Dubautia can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 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 Smallhead Dubautia 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.

Smallhead Dubautia 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.

Smallhead Dubautia can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tree dubautia plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Smallhead Dubautia 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.

Smallhead Dubautia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Smallhead Dubautia is native to the island of Kauai in Hawaii. In cooler regions, grow Smallhead Dubautia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.