Rhamphicarpa fistulosa Plant Care

Rhamphicarpa fistulosa (Rhamphicarpa fistulosa) belongs to the Orobanchaceae family within the Rhamphicarpa genus. Rhamphicarpa fistulosa is native to New Guinea and northern Australia.

Rhamphicarpa fistulosa displays a low spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Rhamphicarpa fistulosa produces small tubular purple flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Rhamphicarpa fistulosa 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.

Rhamphicarpa fistulosa thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Rhamphicarpa fistulosa tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Rhamphicarpa fistulosa prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

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

Feed Rhamphicarpa fistulosa every 8 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 organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Rhamphicarpa fistulosa 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.

Rhamphicarpa fistulosa 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 Rhamphicarpa fistulosa 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.

Rhamphicarpa fistulosa 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.

Rhamphicarpa fistulosa can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes.

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

Rhamphicarpa fistulosa 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.

Rhamphicarpa fistulosa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Rhamphicarpa fistulosa is native to New Guinea and northern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Rhamphicarpa fistulosa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.