Norfolk Island Myoporum Plant Care

Norfolk Island Myoporum (Myoporum rapense) belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family within the Myoporum genus. Norfolk Island Myoporum is native to French Polynesia and the Kermadec Islands. Norfolk Island Myoporum is also known as Rapanea myoporoides.

Norfolk Island Myoporum displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Norfolk Island Myoporum produces small white or pink star-shaped flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Norfolk Island Myoporum every 7–14 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.

Norfolk Island Myoporum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Myoporum rapense tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Norfolk Island Myoporum prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Norfolk Island Myoporum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Norfolk Island Myoporum 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Norfolk Island Myoporum is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 11b.

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.

Norfolk Island Myoporum can spread to about 6 ft (1.8 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 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 plant spacing calculator.

Prune Norfolk Island Myoporum 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.

Norfolk Island Myoporum is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Norfolk Island Myoporum can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mallee boobialla plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Norfolk Island Myoporum 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.

Norfolk Island Myoporum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Norfolk Island Myoporum is native to French Polynesia and the Kermadec Islands. In cooler regions, grow Norfolk Island Myoporum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.