Featherleaf Heterosperma Plant Care

Featherleaf Heterosperma (Heterosperma pinnatum) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Heterosperma genus. Featherleaf Heterosperma is native to Bolivia, Venezuela, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and the south-western United States.

Featherleaf Heterosperma displays a low spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Featherleaf Heterosperma produces small daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow and white.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Featherleaf Heterosperma every 7–10 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.

Featherleaf Heterosperma thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Heterosperma pinnatum tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Featherleaf Heterosperma prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Featherleaf Heterosperma 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Featherleaf Heterosperma 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.

Featherleaf Heterosperma can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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 Featherleaf Heterosperma 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.

Featherleaf Heterosperma 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.

Featherleaf Heterosperma can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps.

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

Featherleaf Heterosperma 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.

Featherleaf Heterosperma grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Featherleaf Heterosperma is native to Bolivia, Venezuela, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and the south-western United States. In cooler regions, grow Featherleaf Heterosperma as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.