Wilga Plant Care

Wilga (Geijera parviflora) belongs to the Rutaceae family within the Geijera genus. Wilga is native to inland parts of eastern Australia. Wilga is also known as Smallflower Wilga.

Wilga displays a small to medium tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Wilga produces small white or cream flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Wilga 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.

Wilga thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Geijera parviflora tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Wilga prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Wilga 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 organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Wilga is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Wilga can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 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 Wilga 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.

Wilga 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.

Wilga can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings.

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

Wilga is susceptible to scale insects, citrus leafminer. 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.

Wilga grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Wilga is native to inland parts of eastern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Wilga as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.