Kentrothamnus weddellianus Plant Care
Kentrothamnus weddellianus (Miers) M.C.Johnst.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Kentrothamnus is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the family Rhamnaceae, native to Bolivia and Argentina. The only species is Kentrothamnus weddellianus.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Kentrothamnus weddellianus?
Plant Kentrothamnus weddellianus in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Kentrothamnus weddellianus?
Kentrothamnus weddellianus (Kentrothamnus weddellianus) belongs to the Rhamnaceae family within the Kentrothamnus genus. Kentrothamnus weddellianus is native to Bolivia and Argentina.
Kentrothamnus weddellianus displays a compact, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Kentrothamnus weddellianus produces small clusters of tiny white flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Kentrothamnus weddellianus?
Water a young or newly planted Kentrothamnus weddellianus 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Kentrothamnus weddellianus Need?
Kentrothamnus weddellianus thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Kentrothamnus weddellianus Prefer?
Kentrothamnus weddellianus tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Kentrothamnus weddellianus prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Kentrothamnus weddellianus?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Kentrothamnus weddellianus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Kentrothamnus weddellianus?
Feed Kentrothamnus weddellianus 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Kentrothamnus weddellianus?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Kentrothamnus weddellianus is suited to USDA Zone 13a.
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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Kentrothamnus weddellianus?
Kentrothamnus weddellianus can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 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 plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Kentrothamnus weddellianus?
Prune Kentrothamnus weddellianus 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.
How Do You Care for a Kentrothamnus weddellianus in Winter?
Kentrothamnus weddellianus 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.
How Do You Propagate a Kentrothamnus weddellianus?
Kentrothamnus weddellianus can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings.
Is the Kentrothamnus weddellianus Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Kentrothamnus weddellianus, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Kentrothamnus weddellianus?
Kentrothamnus weddellianus 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Kentrothamnus weddellianus Need?
Kentrothamnus weddellianus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Kentrothamnus weddellianus is native to Bolivia and Argentina. In cooler regions, grow Kentrothamnus weddellianus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Kentrothamnus weddellianus is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Kentrothamnus genus — compare its care with other Kentrothamnus species on PlantoScan.
Kentrothamnus is part of the Rhamnaceae plant family — browse all Rhamnaceae genera and species.
Kentrothamnus weddellianus thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Kentrothamnus weddellianus (Miers) M.C.Johnst., family Rhamnaceae (first published in J. Arnold Arbor. 54: 472 (1973)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Kentrothamnus weddellianus, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
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