Spyridium obcordatum Plant Care

Spyridium obcordatum (Hook.f.) W.M.Curtis

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Spyridium obcordatum, commonly known as creeping spyridium or creeping dustymiller, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rhamnaceae and is endemic to Tasmania. It is a prostrate shrub with heart-shaped leaves, the narrower end towards the base, and clusters of hairy, white flowers.

🌳Trees🌿Shrubs
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–80°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Spyridium obcordatum?

Plant Spyridium obcordatum in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Spyridium obcordatum Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Spyridium obcordatum?

Spyridium obcordatum (Spyridium obcordatum) belongs to the Rhamnaceae family within the Spyridium genus. Spyridium obcordatum is native to Tasmania.

Spyridium obcordatum displays a compact, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Spyridium obcordatum produces small white or pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Spyridium obcordatum?

Water a young or newly planted Spyridium obcordatum every 7–14 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Spyridium obcordatum Need?

Spyridium obcordatum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Spyridium obcordatum Prefer?

Spyridium obcordatum tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Spyridium obcordatum prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–80°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Spyridium obcordatum?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Spyridium obcordatum?

Feed Spyridium obcordatum 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.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Spyridium obcordatum?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with some organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Spyridium obcordatum 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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Spyridium obcordatum?

Spyridium obcordatum can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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.

How Do You Prune a Spyridium obcordatum?

Prune Spyridium obcordatum 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.

How Do You Care for a Spyridium obcordatum in Winter?

Spyridium obcordatum 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.

How Do You Propagate a Spyridium obcordatum?

Spyridium obcordatum can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to spyridium bifidum plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Spyridium obcordatum Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Spyridium obcordatum, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

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

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Spyridium obcordatum?

Spyridium obcordatum is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Spyridium obcordatum Need?

Spyridium obcordatum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Spyridium obcordatum is native to Tasmania. In cooler regions, grow Spyridium obcordatum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Spyridium obcordatum is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Spyridium genus — compare its care with other Spyridium species on PlantoScan.

Spyridium is part of the Rhamnaceae plant family — browse all Rhamnaceae genera and species.

Spyridium obcordatum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Spyridium Species

Other Spyridium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Spyridium obcordatum (Hook.f.) W.M.Curtis, family Rhamnaceae (first published in Vict. Naturalist 87: 251 (1970)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Spyridium obcordatum, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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