Myrrhinium atropurpureum Plant Care

Myrrhinium atropurpureum (Myrrhinium atropurpureum) belongs to the Myrtaceae family within the Myrrhinium genus. Myrrhinium atropurpureum is native to South America.

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

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Myrrhinium atropurpureum 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.

Myrrhinium atropurpureum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Myrrhinium atropurpureum tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Myrrhinium atropurpureum prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Myrrhinium atropurpureum 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 like compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Myrrhinium atropurpureum is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 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.

Myrrhinium atropurpureum 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 Myrrhinium atropurpureum 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.

Myrrhinium atropurpureum is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Myrrhinium atropurpureum can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings.

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

Myrrhinium atropurpureum 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.

Myrrhinium atropurpureum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Myrrhinium atropurpureum is native to South America. In cooler regions, grow Myrrhinium atropurpureum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.