Wenchengia alternifolia Plant Care

Wenchengia alternifolia (Wenchengia alternifolia) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Wenchengia genus. Wenchengia alternifolia is native to Hainan Province in China.

Wenchengia alternifolia displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Wenchengia alternifolia produces small tubular purple flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Wenchengia alternifolia 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.

Wenchengia alternifolia thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Wenchengia alternifolia tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Wenchengia alternifolia prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Wenchengia alternifolia 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 for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Wenchengia alternifolia is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

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.

Wenchengia alternifolia can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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 Wenchengia alternifolia 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.

Wenchengia alternifolia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Wenchengia alternifolia can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball.

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

Wenchengia alternifolia 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.

Wenchengia alternifolia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Wenchengia alternifolia is native to Hainan Province in China. In cooler regions, grow Wenchengia alternifolia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.