Cutleaf Stephanandra Plant Care

Cutleaf Stephanandra (Stephanandra incisa) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Stephanandra genus. Cutleaf Stephanandra is native to eastern Asia. Cutleaf Stephanandra is also known as Crisped Stephanandra.

Cutleaf Stephanandra displays a spreading, low-growing shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Cutleaf Stephanandra produces small white or pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cutleaf Stephanandra every 7–10 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.

Cutleaf Stephanandra thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Stephanandra incisa tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Cutleaf Stephanandra prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Cutleaf Stephanandra 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 partial shade to full sun and moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cutleaf Stephanandra 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.

Cutleaf Stephanandra 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.

Prune Cutleaf Stephanandra 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.

Cutleaf Stephanandra 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.

Cutleaf Stephanandra can be propagated through softwood cuttings, division.

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Cutleaf Stephanandra 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.

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