Shrubby Bladder Cherry Plant Care

Shrubby Bladder Cherry (Withania frutescens) belongs to the Solanaceae family within the Withania genus. Shrubby Bladder Cherry is native to the western Mediterranean region, including southern Iberia, the Balearic Islands, Northwest Africa and the Canary Islands. Shrubby Bladder Cherry is also known as Winter Cherry.

Shrubby Bladder Cherry displays an upright, branching shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Shrubby Bladder Cherry produces small tubular flowers in shades of purple or green.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Shrubby Bladder Cherry 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.

Shrubby Bladder Cherry thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Withania frutescens tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Shrubby Bladder Cherry prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Shrubby Bladder Cherry to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Shrubby Bladder Cherry 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 compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Shrubby Bladder Cherry is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 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.

Shrubby Bladder Cherry 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 Shrubby Bladder Cherry 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.

Shrubby Bladder Cherry 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.

Shrubby Bladder Cherry can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to indian rennet plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Shrubby Bladder Cherry 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.

Shrubby Bladder Cherry grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Shrubby Bladder Cherry is native to the western Mediterranean region, including southern Iberia, the Balearic Islands, Northwest Africa and the Canary Islands. In cooler regions, grow Shrubby Bladder Cherry as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.