Three-leaved Vepris Plant Care

Three-leaved Vepris (Vepris trifoliolata) belongs to the Rutaceae family within the Vepris genus. Three-leaved Vepris is native to Cameroon.

Three-leaved Vepris displays an upright, bushy tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Three-leaved Vepris produces small white fragrant flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Three-leaved Vepris every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Three-leaved Vepris thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Vepris trifoliolata tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Three-leaved Vepris prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added sand and organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Three-leaved Vepris to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Three-leaved Vepris every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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 loamy soil with added sand and organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Three-leaved Vepris is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Three-leaved Vepris can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Three-leaved Vepris 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 tree in one year.

Three-leaved Vepris 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.

Three-leaved Vepris can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to vepris allenii plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Three-leaved Vepris is susceptible to citrus leaf miner, 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.

Three-leaved Vepris grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Three-leaved Vepris is native to Cameroon. In cooler regions, grow Three-leaved Vepris as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.