Paraleucothoe keiskei Plant Care

Paraleucothoe keiskei (Paraleucothoe keiskei) belongs to the Ericaceae family within the Paraleucothoe genus. Paraleucothoe keiskei is native to southern Honshu, Japan.

Paraleucothoe keiskei displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Paraleucothoe keiskei produces small bell-shaped white or pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Paraleucothoe keiskei every 4–7 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.

Paraleucothoe keiskei thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Paraleucothoe keiskei in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Paraleucothoe keiskei tolerates temperatures of 50–70°F. Paraleucothoe keiskei prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining acidic soil mix with high organic content, such as peat moss and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Paraleucothoe keiskei to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Paraleucothoe keiskei 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 partial shade to full shade and well-draining acidic soil mix with high organic content, such as peat moss and pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Paraleucothoe keiskei is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Paraleucothoe keiskei 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 Paraleucothoe keiskei 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.

Paraleucothoe keiskei is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Paraleucothoe keiskei can be propagated through softwood cuttings, division of clumps, seeds.

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

Paraleucothoe keiskei is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, aphids. 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.

Paraleucothoe keiskei grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Paraleucothoe keiskei is native to southern Honshu, Japan. In cooler regions, grow Paraleucothoe keiskei as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.