Western Myoporum Plant Care

Western Myoporum (Myoporum wilderi) belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family within the Myoporum genus. Western Myoporum is native to the islands of Mangaia and Mitiaro in the Cook Islands.

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

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Western 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.

Western Myoporum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Myoporum wilderi tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Western Myoporum prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Western 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.

Western Myoporum 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.

Western 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 Western 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.

Western Myoporum 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.

Western 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.

Western 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.

Western Myoporum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Western Myoporum is native to the islands of Mangaia and Mitiaro in the Cook Islands. In cooler regions, grow Western Myoporum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.