Rabdosiella leemannii Plant Care

Rabdosiella leemannii (Rabdosiella leemannii) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Rabdosiella genus. Rabdosiella leemannii is native to South Africa′s Limpopo province.

Rabdosiella leemannii displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Rabdosiella leemannii produces small tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Rabdosiella leemannii 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.

Rabdosiella leemannii thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Rabdosiella leemannii tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Rabdosiella leemannii prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Rabdosiella leemannii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Rabdosiella leemannii 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 partial shade to full sun and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Rabdosiella leemannii is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Rabdosiella leemannii can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 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 plant spacing calculator.

Prune Rabdosiella leemannii 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.

Rabdosiella leemannii is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Rabdosiella leemannii can be propagated through softwood cuttings, division of offsets.

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

Rabdosiella leemannii 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.

Rabdosiella leemannii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Rabdosiella leemannii is native to South Africa′s Limpopo province. In cooler regions, grow Rabdosiella leemannii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.