Cape Willow Plant Care

Cape Willow (Rhus viminalis) belongs to the Anacardiaceae family within the Rhus genus. Cape Willow is native to Namibia and to the Free State and Cape Provinces of South Africa. Cape Willow is also known as Varnish Tree.

Cape Willow displays an upright, spreading shrub or small tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Cape Willow produces small clusters of greenish-yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cape Willow 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.

Cape Willow thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Rhus viminalis tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Cape Willow prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Cape Willow to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cape Willow every 8 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 to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cape Willow is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11b.

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.

Cape Willow can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Cape Willow 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.

Cape Willow is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Cape Willow can be propagated through seeds, root cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to fragrant sumac plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Cape Willow is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. 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.

Cape Willow grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Cape Willow is native to Namibia and to the Free State and Cape Provinces of South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Cape Willow as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.