Varronia bellonis Plant Care

Varronia bellonis (Varronia bellonis) belongs to the Boraginaceae family within the Varronia genus. Varronia bellonis is native to Puerto Rico.

Varronia bellonis displays a compact, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Varronia bellonis produces small clusters of white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Varronia bellonis 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.

Varronia bellonis thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Varronia bellonis tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Varronia bellonis 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. Good drainage is essential for Varronia bellonis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Varronia bellonis 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.

Varronia bellonis is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Varronia bellonis 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 Varronia bellonis 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.

Varronia bellonis 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.

Varronia bellonis can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to wild sage plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Varronia bellonis 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.

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