Spatulate Sceptrum Plant Care

Spatulate Sceptrum (Paranomus spathulatus) belongs to the Proteaceae family within the Paranomus genus. Spatulate Sceptrum is native to the Western Cape, South Africa.

Spatulate Sceptrum displays a low, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Spatulate Sceptrum produces small, tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Spatulate Sceptrum every 7–14 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.

Spatulate Sceptrum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Paranomus spathulatus tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Spatulate Sceptrum prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, acidic soil mix with sand and peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Spatulate Sceptrum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Spatulate Sceptrum 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, acidic soil mix with sand and peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Spatulate Sceptrum 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.

Spatulate Sceptrum can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 Spatulate Sceptrum 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.

Spatulate Sceptrum 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.

Spatulate Sceptrum can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to wild rosemary plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Spatulate Sceptrum is susceptible to aphids, 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.

Spatulate Sceptrum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Spatulate Sceptrum is native to the Western Cape, South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Spatulate Sceptrum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.