Common Spike-thorn Plant Care

Common Spike-thorn (Gymnosporia buxifolia) belongs to the Celastraceae family within the Gymnosporia genus. Common Spike-thorn is native to southern Africa. Common Spike-thorn is also known as Pigeonwood, Common Spike Thorn.

Common Spike-thorn displays an upright, dense shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Common Spike-thorn produces small white clusters in spring.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Common Spike-thorn 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.

Common Spike-thorn thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Gymnosporia buxifolia tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Common Spike-thorn prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Common Spike-thorn 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 sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Common Spike-thorn 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.

Common Spike-thorn 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 Common Spike-thorn 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.

Common Spike-thorn 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.

Common Spike-thorn can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to gymnosporia cassinoides plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Common Spike-thorn is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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.

Common Spike-thorn grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Common Spike-thorn is native to southern Africa. In cooler regions, grow Common Spike-thorn as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.