Copper Burr Plant Care

Copper Burr (Sclerolaena birchii) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Sclerolaena genus. Copper Burr is native to inland Australia. Copper Burr is also known as Red Burr.

Copper Burr displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Copper Burr produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2.5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Copper Burr every 10–14 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.

Copper Burr thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Sclerolaena birchii tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Copper Burr prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Copper Burr to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Copper Burr 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 well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Copper Burr 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.

Copper Burr can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 Copper Burr 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.

Copper Burr 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.

Copper Burr can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to spiny poverty bush plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Copper Burr 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.

Copper Burr grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Copper Burr is native to inland Australia. In cooler regions, grow Copper Burr as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.