Samolus eremaeus Plant Care

Samolus eremaeus (Samolus eremaeus) belongs to the Primulaceae family within the Samolus genus. Samolus eremaeus is native to Australia, New Zealand and near-by Pacific islands, and South America.

Samolus eremaeus displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Samolus eremaeus produces small white flowers in dense clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 1.5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Samolus eremaeus every 3–5 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.

Samolus eremaeus thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Samolus eremaeus tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Samolus eremaeus prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Samolus eremaeus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Samolus eremaeus 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 moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Samolus eremaeus 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.

Samolus eremaeus 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 Samolus eremaeus 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.

Samolus eremaeus 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.

Samolus eremaeus can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to creeping water pimpernel plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Samolus eremaeus is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. 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.

Samolus eremaeus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Samolus eremaeus is native to Australia, New Zealand and near-by Pacific islands, and South America. In cooler regions, grow Samolus eremaeus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.