Tournefortia obtusiflora Plant Care

Tournefortia obtusiflora (Tournefortia obtusiflora) belongs to the Boraginaceae family within the Tournefortia genus. Tournefortia obtusiflora is native to Ecuador.

Tournefortia obtusiflora displays an upright, branching shrub growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Tournefortia obtusiflora produces small tubular white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Tournefortia obtusiflora every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Tournefortia obtusiflora thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Tournefortia obtusiflora tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Tournefortia obtusiflora prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Tournefortia obtusiflora to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Tournefortia obtusiflora every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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 loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Tournefortia obtusiflora is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Tournefortia obtusiflora can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Tournefortia obtusiflora 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 tree in one year.

Tournefortia obtusiflora 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.

Tournefortia obtusiflora can be propagated through softwood cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sea lavender plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Tournefortia obtusiflora is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, scale insects. 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.

Tournefortia obtusiflora grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Tournefortia obtusiflora is native to Ecuador. In cooler regions, grow Tournefortia obtusiflora as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.