Cape Myrtle Plant Care

Cape Myrtle (Myrsine andersonii) belongs to the Primulaceae family within the Myrsine genus. Cape Myrtle is native to the Tubuai Islands of French Polynesia.

Cape Myrtle displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Cape Myrtle produces small clusters of white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cape 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.

Cape Myrtle thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Cape Myrtle in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

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

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Cape Myrtle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cape 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cape Myrtle is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Cape Myrtle can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 Cape 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.

Cape Myrtle 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.

Cape Myrtle can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cheeseman's myrsine plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Cape 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.

Cape Myrtle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Cape Myrtle is native to the Tubuai Islands of French Polynesia. In cooler regions, grow Cape Myrtle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.