Pityrodia scabra Plant Care

Pityrodia scabra (Pityrodia scabra) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Pityrodia genus. Pityrodia scabra is native to inland Western Australia.

Pityrodia scabra displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Pityrodia scabra produces small tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Pityrodia scabra 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.

Pityrodia scabra thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Pityrodia scabra tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Pityrodia scabra prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Pityrodia scabra 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 for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Pityrodia scabra is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Pityrodia scabra 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 Pityrodia scabra 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.

Pityrodia scabra 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.

Pityrodia scabra can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to augusta pityrodia plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Pityrodia scabra is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.

Pityrodia scabra grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Pityrodia scabra is native to inland Western Australia. In cooler regions, grow Pityrodia scabra as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.