Wikstroemia crenata Plant Care

Wikstroemia crenata (Wikstroemia retusa) belongs to the Thymelaeaceae family within the Wikstroemia genus. Wikstroemia crenata is native to Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines, used for making paper since the 8th century. Wikstroemia crenata is also known as Dwarf Yellow Alder, Yellow-flowered Wikstroemia.

Wikstroemia crenata displays a compact, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Wikstroemia crenata produces small, fragrant yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Wikstroemia crenata 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.

Wikstroemia crenata thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Wikstroemia crenata in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Wikstroemia retusa tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Wikstroemia crenata prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining acidic soil mix with peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Wikstroemia crenata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Wikstroemia crenata 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 bright indirect light and well-draining acidic soil mix with peat moss and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Wikstroemia crenata 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.

Wikstroemia crenata 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 Wikstroemia crenata 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.

Wikstroemia crenata 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.

Wikstroemia crenata can be propagated through softwood cuttings, layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to false tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Wikstroemia crenata 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.

Wikstroemia crenata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Wikstroemia crenata is native to Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines, used for making paper since the 8th century. In cooler regions, grow Wikstroemia crenata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.