Otholobium pubescens Plant Care

Otholobium pubescens (Otholobium pubescens) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Otholobium genus. Otholobium pubescens is native to Bolivia, Peru and North Chile.

Otholobium pubescens displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Otholobium pubescens produces small yellow pea-like flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Otholobium pubescens 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.

Otholobium pubescens thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Otholobium pubescens tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Otholobium pubescens prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

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

Feed Otholobium pubescens 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.

Otholobium pubescens is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 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.

Otholobium pubescens can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 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 Otholobium pubescens 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.

Otholobium pubescens 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.

Otholobium pubescens can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to otholobium accrescens plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Otholobium pubescens is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, whiteflies. 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.

Otholobium pubescens grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Otholobium pubescens is native to Bolivia, Peru and North Chile. In cooler regions, grow Otholobium pubescens as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.