Polylepis pepei Plant Care

Polylepis pepei (Polylepis pepei) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Polylepis genus. Polylepis pepei is native to Bolivia and Peru.

Polylepis pepei displays a small, compact tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Polylepis pepei produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Polylepis pepei 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.

Polylepis pepei thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Polylepis pepei tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Polylepis pepei prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Polylepis pepei to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Polylepis pepei every 8 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 well-draining sandy soil with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Polylepis pepei is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Polylepis pepei can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 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 Polylepis pepei 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.

Polylepis pepei 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.

Polylepis pepei can be propagated through seeds, cuttings.

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

Polylepis pepei 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.

Polylepis pepei grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Polylepis pepei is native to Bolivia and Peru. In cooler regions, grow Polylepis pepei as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.