Blue guarri Plant Care

Blue guarri (Euclea crispa subsp. crispa) belongs to the Ebenaceae family within the Euclea genus. Blue guarri is native to South Africa, Namibia. Blue guarri is also known as Crystal guarri.

Blue guarri displays a slow-growing small tree growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Blue guarri produces small white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Blue guarri 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.

Blue guarri thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Euclea crispa subsp. crispa tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Blue guarri prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Blue guarri every 8 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.

Blue guarri is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11b.

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.

Blue guarri can spread to about 6 ft (1.8 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 6 ft (1.8 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 Blue guarri 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.

Blue guarri is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Blue guarri can be propagated through seeds, hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to diviner's guarri plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Blue guarri is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, 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.

Blue guarri grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Blue guarri is native to South Africa, Namibia. In cooler regions, grow Blue guarri as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.