Chamisso's Philippia Plant Care

Chamisso's Philippia (Philippia chamissonis) belongs to the Ericaceae family within the Philippia genus. Chamisso's Philippia is native to Chile. Chamisso's Philippia is also known as Chamisso's celmisia.

Chamisso's Philippia displays a low mounding shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Chamisso's Philippia produces small bell-shaped pink or white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chamisso's Philippia 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.

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

Philippia chamissonis tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Chamisso's Philippia prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining acidic soil mix with peat moss and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Chamisso's Philippia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chamisso's Philippia 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 peat moss and pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chamisso's Philippia 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.

Chamisso's Philippia 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 Chamisso's Philippia 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.

Chamisso's Philippia 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.

Chamisso's Philippia can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Chamisso's Philippia is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, 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.

Chamisso's Philippia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Chamisso's Philippia is native to Chile. In cooler regions, grow Chamisso's Philippia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.