Shiny Xylosma Plant Care

Shiny Xylosma (Xylosma ciliatifolia) belongs to the Salicaceae family within the Xylosma genus. Shiny Xylosma is native to South America. Shiny Xylosma is also known as Hawaiian brushholly.

Shiny Xylosma displays an upright, dense shrub growth habit, reaching up to 8 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Shiny Xylosma produces small clusters of inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Shiny Xylosma 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.

Shiny Xylosma thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Xylosma ciliatifolia tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Shiny Xylosma prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Shiny Xylosma to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Shiny Xylosma 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 organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Shiny Xylosma is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11b.

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.

Shiny Xylosma can spread to about 6 ft (1.8 m) and reach about 8 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 6 ft (1.8 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 Shiny Xylosma 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.

Shiny Xylosma 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.

Shiny Xylosma can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chinese xylosma plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Shiny Xylosma 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.

Shiny Xylosma grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Shiny Xylosma is native to South America. In cooler regions, grow Shiny Xylosma as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.