Leopardwood Plant Care

Leopardwood (Flindersia maculosa) belongs to the Rutaceae family within the Flindersia genus. Leopardwood is native to inland areas of eastern Australia. Leopardwood is also known as Spotted Leopardwood.

Leopardwood displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Leopardwood produces small white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Leopardwood 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.

Leopardwood thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Flindersia maculosa tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Leopardwood prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Leopardwood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Leopardwood every 6 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 loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Leopardwood is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Leopardwood can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Leopardwood 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.

Leopardwood is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Leopardwood can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to silver ash plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Leopardwood is susceptible to scale insects, citrus leaf miner. 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.

Leopardwood grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Leopardwood is native to inland areas of eastern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Leopardwood as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.