Mountain Leionema Plant Care

Mountain Leionema (Leionema montanum) belongs to the Rutaceae family within the Leionema genus. Mountain Leionema is native to Tasmania. Mountain Leionema is also known as Mountain Waxflower.

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

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Mountain Leionema 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.

Mountain Leionema thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Leionema montanum tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Mountain Leionema prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Mountain Leionema 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.

Mountain Leionema 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.

Mountain Leionema 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 Mountain Leionema 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.

Mountain Leionema 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.

Mountain Leionema 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.

Mountain Leionema 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.

Mountain Leionema grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Mountain Leionema is native to Tasmania. In cooler regions, grow Mountain Leionema as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.