Showy Heath Plant Care

Showy Heath (Nematolepis phebalioides) belongs to the Rutaceae family within the Nematolepis genus. Showy Heath is native to Western Australia. Showy Heath is also known as New Holland Daisy.

Showy Heath displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. Showy Heath produces small white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Showy Heath 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.

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

Nematolepis phebalioides tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Showy Heath 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. Good drainage is essential for Showy Heath to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Showy Heath 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. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Showy Heath 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.

Showy Heath can spread to about 3 ft (0.8 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.8 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 Showy Heath 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.

Showy Heath 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.

Showy Heath can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to queensland wax flower plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Showy Heath is susceptible to 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.

Showy Heath grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Showy Heath is native to Western Australia. In cooler regions, grow Showy Heath as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.