Photo: nick_goldwaterCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Wrinkled Pomaderris Plant Care
Pomaderris rugosa Cheeseman
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its distinctively textured and wrinkled leaves, this plant originates from Australia and New Guinea. Plant collectors are drawn to its unique foliage, which adds an interesting and eye-catching element to any garden or collection.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Wrinkled Pomaderris?
Plant Wrinkled Pomaderris in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 9a–10b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Wrinkled Pomaderris Native To?
What Is the Wrinkled Pomaderris?
Wrinkled Pomaderris (Pomaderris rugosa) belongs to the Rhamnaceae family within the Pomaderris genus. Wrinkled Pomaderris is native to lowlands of the upper North Island of New Zealand.
Wrinkled Pomaderris displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Wrinkled Pomaderris produces small clusters of yellow flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Wrinkled Pomaderris?
Water a young or newly planted Wrinkled Pomaderris 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Wrinkled Pomaderris Need?
Wrinkled Pomaderris thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Wrinkled Pomaderris Prefer?
Pomaderris rugosa tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Wrinkled Pomaderris prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Wrinkled Pomaderris?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Wrinkled Pomaderris to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Wrinkled Pomaderris?
Feed Wrinkled Pomaderris 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Wrinkled Pomaderris?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Wrinkled Pomaderris is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 10b.
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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Wrinkled Pomaderris?
Wrinkled Pomaderris 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.
How Do You Prune a Wrinkled Pomaderris?
Prune Wrinkled Pomaderris 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.
How Do You Care for a Wrinkled Pomaderris in Winter?
Wrinkled Pomaderris is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Wrinkled Pomaderris?
Wrinkled Pomaderris can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds.
Is the Wrinkled Pomaderris Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Wrinkled Pomaderris, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Wrinkled Pomaderris?
Wrinkled Pomaderris 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Wrinkled Pomaderris Need?
Wrinkled Pomaderris grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Wrinkled Pomaderris is native to lowlands of the upper North Island of New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Wrinkled Pomaderris as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Wrinkled Pomaderris is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Pomaderris genus — compare its care with other Pomaderris species on PlantoScan.
Pomaderris is part of the Rhamnaceae plant family — browse all Rhamnaceae genera and species.
Wrinkled Pomaderris thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Pomaderris rugosa Cheeseman, family Rhamnaceae (first published in Trans. & Proc. New Zealand Inst. 54: 566 (1923)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Wrinkled Pomaderris, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: nick_goldwater, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Wrinkled Pomaderris Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species