Two-color Rhatany Plant Care

Two-color Rhatany (Krameria bicolor) belongs to the Krameriaceae family within the Krameria genus. Two-color Rhatany is native to drier environments of the southwestern United States from California to Texas, and in northern Mexico.

Two-color Rhatany displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Two-color Rhatany produces small red or purple flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Two-color Rhatany every 10–14 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.

Two-color Rhatany thrives in full sun.

Krameria bicolor tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Two-color Rhatany prefers humidity levels of 20–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with low fertility. Good drainage is essential for Two-color Rhatany to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil with low fertility. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Two-color Rhatany 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.

Two-color Rhatany can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 plant spacing calculator.

Prune Two-color Rhatany 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.

Two-color Rhatany 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.

Two-color Rhatany can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to rough krameria plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Two-color Rhatany is susceptible to no common pests known. 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.

Two-color Rhatany grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Two-color Rhatany is native to drier environments of the southwestern United States from California to Texas, and in northern Mexico. In cooler regions, grow Two-color Rhatany as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.