Taxanthema gmelinii Plant Care

Taxanthema gmelinii (Taxanthema gmelinii) belongs to the Plumbaginaceae family within the Taxanthema genus. Taxanthema gmelinii is native to east-central and southeastern Europe, Russia, the north Caucasus, Turkey, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, parts of Siberia, Xinjiang, and Mongolia.

Taxanthema gmelinii displays a low spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Taxanthema gmelinii produces small clusters of pink, purple, or white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Taxanthema gmelinii 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.

Taxanthema gmelinii thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Taxanthema gmelinii tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Taxanthema gmelinii prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Taxanthema gmelinii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Taxanthema gmelinii 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 sandy soil mix with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Taxanthema gmelinii is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Taxanthema gmelinii can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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 Taxanthema gmelinii 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.

Taxanthema gmelinii is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Taxanthema gmelinii can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps, stem cuttings.

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

Taxanthema gmelinii is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.

Taxanthema gmelinii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Taxanthema gmelinii is native to east-central and southeastern Europe, Russia, the north Caucasus, Turkey, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, parts of Siberia, Xinjiang, and Mongolia. In cooler regions, grow Taxanthema gmelinii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.