Aspalathus abietina is a dense, evergreen shrub native to South Africa, known for its needle-like foliage and small yellow flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth and flowering.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow topsoil to dry between waterings. Reduce in winter.
Sandy, well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers mild to warm temperatures; protect from hard frosts.
Low
25% intensity
Feed sparingly in spring with a balanced, low-nitrogen formula.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water moderately when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging, as Aspalathus abietina prefers well-drained conditions. Reduce watering significantly during the winter dormancy period to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage in the pot and planting location.
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and remove any dead or crossing branches. Avoid heavy pruning, as it can stimulate excessive vegetative growth and detract from the natural shrubby form.
Pruning encourages denser flowering in subsequent seasons.
Propagate from seed or cuttings. Seeds require scarification or stratification to break dormancy. Cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood in late summer and treated with rooting hormone.
Ensure cuttings are kept in a humid environment until established.
Repot young plants every 1-2 years in spring, or when root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix, preferably sandy or gritty. Mature plants are best left undisturbed as they dislike root disturbance.
Choose a pot slightly larger than the current one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Fir Capegorse (Aspalathus abietina)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Aspalathus |
| Species | Aspalathus abietina |
Similar in genus Aspalathus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
