Psylliostachys suworowii Plant Care

Psylliostachys suworowii (Psylliostachys suworowii) belongs to the Plumbaginaceae family within the Psylliostachys genus. Psylliostachys suworowii is native to Central Asia and Afghanistan, and introduced to scattered locales worldwide.

Psylliostachys suworowii displays a low spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Psylliostachys suworowii produces small clusters of pink or purple flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Psylliostachys suworowii every 7–10 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.

Psylliostachys suworowii thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Psylliostachys suworowii tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Psylliostachys suworowii prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Psylliostachys suworowii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Psylliostachys suworowii 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 soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Psylliostachys suworowii 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.

Psylliostachys suworowii can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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 Psylliostachys suworowii 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.

Psylliostachys suworowii 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.

Psylliostachys suworowii can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball.

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Psylliostachys suworowii 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.

Psylliostachys suworowii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Psylliostachys suworowii is native to Central Asia and Afghanistan, and introduced to scattered locales worldwide. In cooler regions, grow Psylliostachys suworowii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.