Pride of the Cape Plant Care

Pride of the Cape (Liparia splendens) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Liparia genus.

Pride of the Cape displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Pride of the Cape produces small yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Pride of the Cape 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.

Pride of the Cape thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Liparia splendens tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Pride of the Cape prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Pride of the Cape to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Pride of the Cape 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 soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Pride of the Cape 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.

Pride of the Cape 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 Pride of the Cape 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.

Pride of the Cape 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.

Pride of the Cape can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Pride of the Cape is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, 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.

Pride of the Cape grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Pride of the Cape as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.