Three-leaved Shrub Plant Care

Three-leaved Shrub (Platylophus trifoliatus) belongs to the Cunoniaceae family within the Platylophus genus. Three-leaved Shrub is native to South Africa and the only species of the genus Platylophus.

Three-leaved Shrub displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Three-leaved Shrub produces small clusters of white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Three-leaved Shrub every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Three-leaved Shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Platylophus trifoliatus tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Three-leaved Shrub prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Three-leaved Shrub to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Three-leaved Shrub every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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 rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Three-leaved Shrub is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Three-leaved Shrub can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Three-leaved Shrub 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 tree in one year.

Three-leaved Shrub 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.

Three-leaved Shrub can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Three-leaved Shrub 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.

Three-leaved Shrub grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Three-leaved Shrub is native to South Africa and the only species of the genus Platylophus. In cooler regions, grow Three-leaved Shrub as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.