Prostrate Cape Everlasting Plant Care

Prostrate Cape Everlasting (Eumorphia prostrata) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Eumorphia genus. Prostrate Cape Everlasting is native to the eastern mountain regions of southern Africa, at an altitude of 1,900–2,730 metres (6,230–8,960 ft). Prostrate Cape Everlasting is also known as Creeping Cape Everlasting.

Prostrate Cape Everlasting displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Prostrate Cape Everlasting produces small daisy-like flowers in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Prostrate Cape Everlasting 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.

Prostrate Cape Everlasting thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Eumorphia prostrata tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Prostrate Cape Everlasting prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Prostrate Cape Everlasting to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Prostrate Cape Everlasting 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 loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Prostrate Cape Everlasting 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.

Prostrate Cape Everlasting can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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 Prostrate Cape Everlasting 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.

Prostrate Cape Everlasting 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.

Prostrate Cape Everlasting can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps, stem cuttings.

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

Prostrate Cape Everlasting is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.

Prostrate Cape Everlasting grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Prostrate Cape Everlasting is native to the eastern mountain regions of southern Africa, at an altitude of 1,900–2,730 metres (6,230–8,960 ft). In cooler regions, grow Prostrate Cape Everlasting as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.