Cunningham's Polyosma Plant Care

Cunningham's Polyosma (Polyosma cunninghamii) belongs to the Escalloniaceae family within the Polyosma genus. Cunningham's Polyosma is native to the drier rainforests.

Cunningham's Polyosma displays an upright, dense shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Cunningham's Polyosma produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cunningham's Polyosma every 7–10 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.

Cunningham's Polyosma thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Polyosma cunninghamii tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Cunningham's Polyosma prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost. Good drainage is essential for Cunningham's Polyosma to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cunningham's Polyosma 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 partial shade to full sun and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cunningham's Polyosma 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.

Cunningham's Polyosma can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 Cunningham's Polyosma 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.

Cunningham's Polyosma 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.

Cunningham's Polyosma can be propagated through softwood cuttings in spring, semi-hardwood cuttings in summer. Similar propagation techniques also apply to polyosma alangiacea plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Cunningham's Polyosma 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.

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