Retama rhodorhizoides Plant Care

Retama rhodorhizoides (Retama rhodorhizoides) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Retama genus. Retama rhodorhizoides is native to the Canary Islands. Retama rhodorhizoides is also known as Rhodorhizum brookeanum, Retama raetam.

Retama rhodorhizoides displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Retama rhodorhizoides produces showy clusters of small, fragrant white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 1.5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Retama rhodorhizoides 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.

Retama rhodorhizoides thrives in full sun.

Retama rhodorhizoides tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Retama rhodorhizoides prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with low fertility. Good drainage is essential for Retama rhodorhizoides to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Retama rhodorhizoides 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 full sun and well-draining sandy soil with low fertility. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Retama rhodorhizoides 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.

Retama rhodorhizoides 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 Retama rhodorhizoides 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.

Retama rhodorhizoides 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.

Retama rhodorhizoides can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to raetam plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Retama rhodorhizoides 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.

Retama rhodorhizoides grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Retama rhodorhizoides is native to the Canary Islands. In cooler regions, grow Retama rhodorhizoides as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.