Xylosma nelsonii Plant Care

Xylosma nelsonii (Xylosma nelsonii) belongs to the Salicaceae family within the Xylosma genus.

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

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Xylosma nelsonii 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.

Xylosma nelsonii thrives in full sun to partial shade.

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

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

Feed Xylosma nelsonii 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.

Xylosma nelsonii 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.

Xylosma nelsonii 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 Xylosma nelsonii 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.

Xylosma nelsonii 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.

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

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Xylosma nelsonii 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.

Xylosma nelsonii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Xylosma nelsonii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.