Toothed Phebalium Plant Care

Toothed Phebalium (Leionema dentatum) belongs to the Rutaceae family within the Leionema genus. Toothed Phebalium is native to New South Wales, Australia.

Toothed Phebalium displays a compact, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Toothed Phebalium produces small clusters of white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Toothed Phebalium every 7–14 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.

Toothed Phebalium thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Leionema dentatum tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Toothed Phebalium prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Toothed Phebalium 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 for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Toothed Phebalium 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.

Toothed Phebalium 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.

Prune Toothed Phebalium 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.

Toothed Phebalium 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.

Toothed Phebalium can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ambiguous waxflower plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Toothed Phebalium is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, citrus leaf miner. 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.

Toothed Phebalium grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Toothed Phebalium is native to New South Wales, Australia. In cooler regions, grow Toothed Phebalium as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.