Star Flower Plant Care

Star Flower (Tremandra stelligera) belongs to the Elaeocarpaceae family within the Tremandra genus. Star Flower is native to Western Australia.

Star Flower displays a compact, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Star Flower produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Star Flower 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.

Star Flower thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Tremandra stelligera tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Star Flower prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Star Flower 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 partial shade to full sun and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Star Flower 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.

Star Flower can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 Star Flower 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.

Star Flower 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.

Star Flower can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings.

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

Star Flower 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.

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