Cork bush Plant Care

Cork bush (Mundulea antanossarum) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Mundulea genus. Cork bush is native to Botswana, Namibia, South Africa. Cork bush is also known as corkwood.

Cork bush displays a tall, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Cork bush produces small clusters of white or pink pea-like flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cork bush every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Cork bush thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Mundulea antanossarum tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Cork bush prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Cork bush to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cork bush every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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 loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cork bush is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Cork bush can spread to about 6 ft (1.8 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 6 ft (1.8 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Cork bush 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 tree in one year.

Cork bush 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.

Cork bush can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cork bush plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Cork bush is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, whiteflies. 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.

Cork bush grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Cork bush is native to Botswana, Namibia, South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Cork bush as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.