East Himalayan Rough-leaved Plant Care

East Himalayan Rough-leaved (Trachystemon orientalis) belongs to the Boraginaceae family within the Trachystemon genus. East Himalayan Rough-leaved is also known as Oriental Rough-leaved.

East Himalayan Rough-leaved displays a spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. East Himalayan Rough-leaved produces small blue flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted East Himalayan Rough-leaved every 3–7 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.

East Himalayan Rough-leaved thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing East Himalayan Rough-leaved in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Trachystemon orientalis tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. East Himalayan Rough-leaved prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for East Himalayan Rough-leaved to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed East Himalayan Rough-leaved every 8 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 partial to full shade and moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

East Himalayan Rough-leaved 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.

East Himalayan Rough-leaved 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 East Himalayan Rough-leaved 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.

East Himalayan Rough-leaved 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.

East Himalayan Rough-leaved can be propagated through division, seeds.

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

East Himalayan Rough-leaved is susceptible to slugs, snails. 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.

East Himalayan Rough-leaved grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow East Himalayan Rough-leaved as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.