Marianthus bicolor Plant Care

Marianthus bicolor (Marianthus bicolor) belongs to the Pittosporaceae family within the Marianthus genus. Marianthus bicolor is native to the southwest of Western Australia.

Marianthus bicolor displays a compact, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Marianthus bicolor produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Marianthus bicolor 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.

Marianthus bicolor thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Marianthus bicolor tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Marianthus bicolor prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Marianthus bicolor to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Marianthus bicolor 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 partial shade to full sun and well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Marianthus bicolor 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.

Marianthus bicolor 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 Marianthus bicolor 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.

Marianthus bicolor 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.

Marianthus bicolor can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to marianthus aquilonaris plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Marianthus bicolor is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, 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.

Marianthus bicolor grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Marianthus bicolor is native to the southwest of Western Australia. In cooler regions, grow Marianthus bicolor as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.