Hostile Copperburr Plant Care

Hostile Copperburr (Sclerolaena hostilis) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Sclerolaena genus. Hostile Copperburr is native to Western Australia.

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

Leaf size: approximately 2.5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Hostile Copperburr 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.

Hostile Copperburr thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Sclerolaena hostilis tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Hostile Copperburr prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

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

Feed Hostile Copperburr 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.

Hostile Copperburr 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.

Hostile Copperburr 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 Hostile Copperburr 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.

Hostile Copperburr 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.

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

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Hostile Copperburr 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.

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