Marsh Heath Plant Care

Marsh Heath (Passerina paludosa) belongs to the Thymelaeaceae family within the Passerina genus. Marsh Heath is native to South Africa and occurs in the Western Cape on the Cape Flats and the Agulhas Plain. Marsh Heath is also known as Paludose Passerina.

Marsh Heath displays a compact shrub, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Marsh Heath produces small, fragrant clusters of white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Marsh Heath 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.

Marsh Heath thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Passerina paludosa tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Marsh Heath prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Marsh 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Marsh Heath 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.

Marsh Heath can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 Marsh 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.

Marsh Heath 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.

Marsh Heath can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings.

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

Marsh Heath 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.

Marsh Heath grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Marsh Heath is native to South Africa and occurs in the Western Cape on the Cape Flats and the Agulhas Plain. In cooler regions, grow Marsh Heath as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.