Water
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Allow excess water to drain away completely.
Reduce watering frequency during the dormant winter months, allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings to prevent root rot.
Puzzlebush (Ehretia alba) is an attractive, dense shrub native to South Africa, known for its abundant white flowers and glossy leaves.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-24°C. Can tolerate cooler temperatures in winter.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed during growing season only.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Allow excess water to drain away completely.
Reduce watering frequency during the dormant winter months, allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings to prevent root rot.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Light pruning can be done after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the cuttings moist and in a warm, humid environment until roots form.
Repot young plants annually in spring. Mature plants can be repotted every 2-3 years or when rootbound. Use a well-draining potting mix and a pot that is only 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 Puzzlebush (Ehretia alba)
Where Puzzlebush (Ehretia alba) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Ehretia |
| Species | Ehretia alba |
Similar in genus Ehretia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
