Pehria compacta Plant Care

Pehria compacta (Pehria compacta) belongs to the Lythraceae family within the Pehria genus.

Pehria compacta displays an upright, branching shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Pehria compacta produces showy clusters of pink, red, or purple flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Pehria compacta 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.

Pehria compacta thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Pehria compacta tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Pehria compacta prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Pehria compacta to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Pehria compacta 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 loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Pehria compacta is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Pehria compacta can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 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 Pehria compacta 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.

Pehria compacta 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.

Pehria compacta can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Pehria compacta is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. 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.

Pehria compacta grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Pehria compacta as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.