Xylosma flexuosa Plant Care

Xylosma flexuosa (Xylosma tuberculata) belongs to the Salicaceae family within the Xylosma genus. Xylosma flexuosa is native to New Caledonia. Xylosma flexuosa is also known as Xylosma hawaiiense, Hawaiian brushholly.

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

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Xylosma flexuosa 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 flexuosa thrives in full sun to partial shade.

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

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

Feed Xylosma flexuosa 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 flexuosa is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

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 flexuosa 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 flexuosa 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 flexuosa 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.

Xylosma flexuosa 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 flexuosa 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 flexuosa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Xylosma flexuosa is native to New Caledonia. In cooler regions, grow Xylosma flexuosa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.