Ramgoat Plant Care

Ramgoat (Turnera ulmifolia) belongs to the Passifloraceae family within the Turnera genus. Ramgoat is native to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of northern South America and southern Florida. Ramgoat is also known as Ram Goat Dashalong, Yellow Alder, White Alder.

Ramgoat displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Ramgoat produces small, colorful, cup-shaped flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Ramgoat 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.

Ramgoat thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Turnera ulmifolia tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Ramgoat prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Ramgoat 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. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Ramgoat is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11b.

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.

Ramgoat can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 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 Ramgoat 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.

Ramgoat is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Ramgoat can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to damiana plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Ramgoat 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.

Ramgoat grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Ramgoat is native to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of northern South America and southern Florida. In cooler regions, grow Ramgoat as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.