Asiatic Gmelina Plant Care

Asiatic Gmelina (Gmelina asiatica) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Gmelina genus. Asiatic Gmelina is also known as Gmelina.

Asiatic Gmelina displays a fast-growing, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Asiatic Gmelina produces showy clusters of tubular yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Asiatic Gmelina every 7–10 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.

Asiatic Gmelina thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Gmelina asiatica tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Asiatic Gmelina prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Asiatic Gmelina 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.

Asiatic Gmelina is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Asiatic Gmelina can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Asiatic Gmelina 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.

Asiatic Gmelina 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.

Asiatic Gmelina can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings.

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

Asiatic Gmelina 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.

Asiatic Gmelina grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Asiatic Gmelina as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.