Cliff Fendlerbush Plant Care

Cliff Fendlerbush (Fendlera rupicola) belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family within the Fendlera genus.

Cliff Fendlerbush displays a compact, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Cliff Fendlerbush produces small clusters of white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cliff Fendlerbush every 6–10 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.

Cliff Fendlerbush thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Fendlera rupicola tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Cliff Fendlerbush prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Cliff Fendlerbush to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cliff Fendlerbush 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, acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cliff Fendlerbush 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.

Cliff Fendlerbush can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 Cliff Fendlerbush 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.

Cliff Fendlerbush 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.

Cliff Fendlerbush can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds.

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

Cliff Fendlerbush 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.

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