Creeping Boobyalla Plant Care

Creeping Boobyalla (Myrsine nummularia) belongs to the Primulaceae family within the Myrsine genus. Creeping Boobyalla is native to New Zealand. Creeping Boobyalla is also known as Water Bush.

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

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Creeping Boobyalla 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.

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

Myrsine nummularia tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Creeping Boobyalla 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 Creeping Boobyalla to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Creeping Boobyalla 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.

Creeping Boobyalla is suited to USDA Zone 7b – 9b.

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.

Creeping Boobyalla 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 Creeping Boobyalla 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.

Creeping Boobyalla is hardy down to USDA zone 7b, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Creeping Boobyalla 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.

Creeping Boobyalla 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.

Creeping Boobyalla grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7b – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7b. Creeping Boobyalla is native to New Zealand.