Synaphea xela Plant Care

Synaphea xela (Synaphea xela) belongs to the Proteaceae family within the Synaphea genus. Synaphea xela is native to Western Australia.

Synaphea xela displays a compact shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Synaphea xela produces small, tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Synaphea xela 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.

Synaphea xela thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Synaphea xela tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Synaphea xela prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining acidic soil mix with added sand and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Synaphea xela to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Synaphea xela 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 acidic soil mix with added sand and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Synaphea xela 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.

Synaphea xela 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.

Prune Synaphea xela 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.

Synaphea xela 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.

Synaphea xela can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to synaphea plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Synaphea xela 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.

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