Lycocarpus fugax Plant Care
Lycocarpus fugax O.E.Schulz
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Lycocarpus is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Brassicaceae. It includes a single species, Lycocarpus fugax, an annual native to southeastern Spain.
Every 4–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Lycocarpus fugax?
Plant Lycocarpus fugax in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 4–7 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Lycocarpus fugax Native To?
What Is the Lycocarpus fugax?
Lycocarpus fugax (Lycocarpus fugax) belongs to the Brassicaceae family within the Lycocarpus genus. Lycocarpus fugax is native to southeastern Spain.
Lycocarpus fugax displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Lycocarpus fugax produces small white or yellow flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Lycocarpus fugax?
Water a young or newly planted Lycocarpus fugax every 4–7 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 4–7 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Lycocarpus fugax Need?
Lycocarpus fugax thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Lycocarpus fugax Prefer?
Lycocarpus fugax tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Lycocarpus fugax prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Lycocarpus fugax?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Lycocarpus fugax to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Lycocarpus fugax?
Feed Lycocarpus fugax 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Lycocarpus fugax?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Lycocarpus fugax 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Lycocarpus fugax?
Lycocarpus fugax can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 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.
How Do You Prune a Lycocarpus fugax?
Prune Lycocarpus fugax 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.
How Do You Care for a Lycocarpus fugax in Winter?
Lycocarpus fugax 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.
How Do You Propagate a Lycocarpus fugax?
Lycocarpus fugax can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.
Is the Lycocarpus fugax Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Lycocarpus fugax, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Lycocarpus fugax?
Lycocarpus fugax is susceptible to aphids, cabbage worms, flea beetles. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Lycocarpus fugax Need?
Lycocarpus fugax grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Lycocarpus fugax is native to southeastern Spain. In cooler regions, grow Lycocarpus fugax as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Lycocarpus fugax is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Lycocarpus genus — compare its care with other Lycocarpus species on PlantoScan.
Lycocarpus is part of the Brassicaceae plant family — browse all Brassicaceae genera and species.
Lycocarpus fugax thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Lycocarpus fugax O.E.Schulz, family Brassicaceae (first published in Pflanzenr. , IV, 105(86): 164 (1924)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Lycocarpus fugax, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
