Also known as Bois Carre · Bois Cocklet · Bois Fidele
Spiny Fiddlewood (Citharexylum spinosum) is an attractive evergreen shrub or small tree with fragrant white flowers followed by attractive berries.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers full sun for best flowering, but tolerates partial shade. Protect from intense afternoon sun in very hot climates.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow top layer to dry slightly between waterings.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 18-27°C. Protect from frost; it is not cold-hardy and should be brought indoors if temperatures drop below 10°C.
Moderate
50% intensity
Fertilize with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Spiny Fiddlewood regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings.
Reduce watering frequency during cooler months, but never let the soil become completely dry. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Prune Spiny Fiddlewood to maintain its shape, remove dead or damaged branches, and encourage bushier growth.
Light pruning can be done at any time, but heavier pruning is best performed in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This also helps manage its size.
Propagate Spiny Fiddlewood from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer or by seed sown in spring. Cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining medium.
Seeds require stratification and warm temperatures for germination. Patience is key for successful propagation.
Repot Spiny Fiddlewood every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one.
Repotting is best done in spring, just as new growth starts, to minimize transplant shock.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Spiny Fiddlewood (Citharexylum spinosum)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Verbenaceae |
| Genus | Citharexylum |
| Species | Citharexylum spinosum |
Similar in genus Citharexylum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
