Red Ash Plant Care

Red Ash (Triplarina calophylla) belongs to the Myrtaceae family within the Triplarina genus. Red Ash is native to a restricted area of north Queensland.

Red Ash displays an upright, dense shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Red Ash produces small white or pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Red Ash every 7–14 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.

Red Ash thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Triplarina calophylla tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Red Ash prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter like compost. Good drainage is essential for Red Ash to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Red Ash 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 loam with added organic matter like compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Red Ash 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.

Red Ash 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 Red Ash 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.

Red Ash 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.

Red Ash can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to triplarina bancroftii plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Red Ash 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.

Red Ash grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Red Ash is native to a restricted area of north Queensland. In cooler regions, grow Red Ash as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.