Cutler's Jewelflower Plant Care
Streptanthus cutleri Cory
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Streptanthus cutleri, known as Cutler's jewelflower, is a species of annual flower only found in the Big Bend region of Texas. Its specific epithet and common name both reference Hugh Carson Cutler, who first collected the plant in 1937.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Cutler's Jewelflower?
Plant Cutler's Jewelflower in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 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 Cutler's Jewelflower Native To?
What Is the Cutler's Jewelflower?
Cutler's Jewelflower (Streptanthus cutleri) belongs to the Brassicaceae family within the Streptanthus genus. Cutler's Jewelflower is native to the Big Bend region of Texas.
Cutler's Jewelflower displays an upright, branching growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Cutler's Jewelflower produces small, tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cutler's Jewelflower?
Water a young or newly planted Cutler's Jewelflower 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Cutler's Jewelflower Need?
Cutler's Jewelflower thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cutler's Jewelflower Prefer?
Streptanthus cutleri tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Cutler's Jewelflower prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cutler's Jewelflower?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Cutler's Jewelflower to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cutler's Jewelflower?
Feed Cutler's Jewelflower 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 Cutler's Jewelflower?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Cutler's Jewelflower 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 Cutler's Jewelflower?
Cutler's Jewelflower can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 2 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.
How Do You Prune a Cutler's Jewelflower?
Prune Cutler's Jewelflower 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 Cutler's Jewelflower in Winter?
Cutler's Jewelflower 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 Cutler's Jewelflower?
Cutler's Jewelflower can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to streptanthus anceps plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Cutler's Jewelflower Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cutler's Jewelflower, 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 Cutler's Jewelflower?
Cutler's Jewelflower is susceptible to aphids, cabbage worms, flea beetles. 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 Cutler's Jewelflower Need?
Cutler's Jewelflower grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Cutler's Jewelflower is native to the Big Bend region of Texas. In cooler regions, grow Cutler's Jewelflower as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Cutler's Jewelflower 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 Streptanthus genus — compare its care with other Streptanthus species on PlantoScan.
Streptanthus is part of the Brassicaceae plant family — browse all Brassicaceae genera and species.
Cutler's Jewelflower thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Streptanthus Species
Other Streptanthus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Streptanthus cutleri Cory, family Brassicaceae (first published in Rhodora 45: 259 (1943)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cutler's Jewelflower, 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.
