Hairy Lissanthe Plant Care

Hairy Lissanthe (Lissanthe strigosa) belongs to the Ericaceae family within the Lissanthe genus. Hairy Lissanthe is native to south-eastern Australia. Hairy Lissanthe is also known as Narrow-leaf Bitter-pea.

Hairy Lissanthe displays a compact, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Hairy Lissanthe produces bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, or purple.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Hairy Lissanthe 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.

Hairy Lissanthe thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Hairy Lissanthe in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Lissanthe strigosa tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Hairy Lissanthe prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining acidic soil mix with high organic content like peat moss and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Hairy Lissanthe to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Hairy Lissanthe every 8 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 partial shade to full shade and well-draining acidic soil mix with high organic content like peat moss and pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Hairy Lissanthe 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.

Hairy Lissanthe 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 Hairy Lissanthe 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.

Hairy Lissanthe 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.

Hairy Lissanthe can be propagated through softwood cuttings, layering.

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

Hairy Lissanthe is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, aphids. 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.

Hairy Lissanthe grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Hairy Lissanthe is native to south-eastern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Hairy Lissanthe as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.