Synaphea petiolaris Plant Care
Synaphea petiolaris R.Br.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Synaphea petiolaris is a species of flowering plant in the family Proteaceae and is endemic to the south west of Western Australia. It is a shrub with tufted stems, simple or deeply lobed to pinnatipartite leaves, and spikes of widely spaced yellow flowers.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Synaphea petiolaris?
Plant Synaphea petiolaris 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 Synaphea petiolaris Native To?
What Is the Synaphea petiolaris?
Synaphea petiolaris (Synaphea petiolaris) belongs to the Proteaceae family within the Synaphea genus. Synaphea petiolaris is native to the south west of Western Australia.
Synaphea petiolaris displays a compact shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Synaphea petiolaris produces small, tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Synaphea petiolaris?
Water a young or newly planted Synaphea petiolaris 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 Synaphea petiolaris Need?
Synaphea petiolaris thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Synaphea petiolaris Prefer?
Synaphea petiolaris tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Synaphea petiolaris prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Synaphea petiolaris?
Well-draining acidic soil mix with added sand and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Synaphea petiolaris to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Synaphea petiolaris?
Feed Synaphea petiolaris 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 Synaphea petiolaris?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining acidic soil mix with added sand and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Synaphea petiolaris 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 Synaphea petiolaris?
Synaphea petiolaris can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 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.
How Do You Prune a Synaphea petiolaris?
Prune Synaphea petiolaris 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 Synaphea petiolaris in Winter?
Synaphea petiolaris 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 Synaphea petiolaris?
Synaphea petiolaris can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to synaphea plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Synaphea petiolaris Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Synaphea petiolaris, 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 Synaphea petiolaris?
Synaphea petiolaris 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 Synaphea petiolaris Need?
Synaphea petiolaris grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Synaphea petiolaris is native to the south west of Western Australia. In cooler regions, grow Synaphea petiolaris as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Synaphea petiolaris 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 Synaphea genus — compare its care with other Synaphea species on PlantoScan.
Synaphea is part of the Proteaceae plant family — browse all Proteaceae genera and species.
Synaphea petiolaris thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Synaphea Species
Other Synaphea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Synaphea petiolaris R.Br., family Proteaceae (first published in Trans. Linn. Soc. London 10: 156 (1810)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Synaphea petiolaris, 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.
