Capricornia Heath Myrtle Plant Care
Micromyrtus capricornia A.R.Bean
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Micromyrtus capricornia is a species of flowering plant in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae and is endemic to a small area of central eastern Queensland. It is a shrub with slightly drooping branchlets, overlapping, narrowly egg-shaped leaves and small white flowers.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Capricornia Heath Myrtle?
Plant Capricornia Heath Myrtle in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Capricornia Heath Myrtle Native To?
What Is the Capricornia Heath Myrtle?
Capricornia Heath Myrtle (Micromyrtus capricornia) belongs to the Myrtaceae family within the Micromyrtus genus. Capricornia Heath Myrtle is native to a small area of central eastern Queensland.
Capricornia Heath Myrtle displays a compact, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Capricornia Heath Myrtle produces small white or pink flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Capricornia Heath Myrtle?
Water a young or newly planted Capricornia Heath Myrtle 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Capricornia Heath Myrtle Need?
Capricornia Heath Myrtle thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Capricornia Heath Myrtle Prefer?
Micromyrtus capricornia tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Capricornia Heath Myrtle prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Capricornia Heath Myrtle?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Capricornia Heath Myrtle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Capricornia Heath Myrtle?
Feed Capricornia Heath Myrtle 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 Capricornia Heath Myrtle?
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.
Capricornia Heath Myrtle 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 Capricornia Heath Myrtle?
Capricornia Heath Myrtle can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 Capricornia Heath Myrtle?
Prune Capricornia Heath Myrtle 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 Capricornia Heath Myrtle in Winter?
Capricornia Heath Myrtle 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 Capricornia Heath Myrtle?
Capricornia Heath Myrtle can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sharp-leaved micromyrtus plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Capricornia Heath Myrtle Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Capricornia Heath Myrtle, 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 Capricornia Heath Myrtle?
Capricornia Heath Myrtle 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Capricornia Heath Myrtle Need?
Capricornia Heath Myrtle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Capricornia Heath Myrtle is native to a small area of central eastern Queensland. In cooler regions, grow Capricornia Heath Myrtle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Capricornia Heath Myrtle 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 Micromyrtus genus — compare its care with other Micromyrtus species on PlantoScan.
Micromyrtus is part of the Myrtaceae plant family — browse all Myrtaceae genera and species.
Capricornia Heath Myrtle thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Micromyrtus Species
Other Micromyrtus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Micromyrtus capricornia A.R.Bean, family Myrtaceae (first published in Austrobaileya 4: 464 (1997)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Capricornia Heath Myrtle, 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.
