Psoralea vanberkeliae Plant Care

Psoralea vanberkeliae (Psoralea vanberkeliae) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Psoralea genus. Psoralea vanberkeliae is native to the Western Cape of South Africa.

Psoralea vanberkeliae displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Psoralea vanberkeliae produces small pea-like flowers in shades of purple, blue, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Psoralea vanberkeliae every 7–14 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.

Psoralea vanberkeliae thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Psoralea vanberkeliae tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Psoralea vanberkeliae prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Psoralea vanberkeliae 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. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Psoralea vanberkeliae is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Psoralea vanberkeliae can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 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 Psoralea vanberkeliae 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.

Psoralea vanberkeliae 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.

Psoralea vanberkeliae can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to blue broom plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Psoralea vanberkeliae 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.

Psoralea vanberkeliae grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Psoralea vanberkeliae is native to the Western Cape of South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Psoralea vanberkeliae as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.