5 saves
Elaeocarpus
We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Elaeocarpus varieties
2 species of Elaeocarpus
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Elaeocarpus in Sow
Save the Elaeocarpus you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Elaeocarpus
Whats common across all Elaeocarpus varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Elaeocarpus year
- PruneFebruary and March100% of varieties
Prune in late winter or after flowering to shape and maintain size.
- FertilizeMarch and April100% of varieties
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer.
- Check for PestsJune and July67% of varieties
Inspect leaf undersides for scale insects and associated sooty mould.
Do
- Provide supplemental water during extended dry periods.
- Prune to shape when young to encourage a dense habit.
- Maintain a good layer of mulch over the root zone.
- Fertilize in spring with a balanced, slow-release formula.
- Mulch the root zone to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Avoid
- Don't plant in waterlogged or consistently wet soil.
- Avoid heavy pruning that exposes the inner branches to sunscald.
- Don't plant too deep; keep the root flare visible.
- Don't allow grass to grow right up to the trunk.
What goes wrong with Elaeocarpus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Scale insects | Sticky honeydew and black sooty mould on leaves, accompanied by small brown domes on stems. | Spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to suffocate the pests, which subsequently clears the mould. |
| Scale Insects | Small, immobile bumps on stems and leaves, often accompanied by sticky honeydew and black sooty mold. | Apply horticultural oil during the dormant season to smother overwintering pests. Use a systemic insecticide for heavy infestations. |
| Bronze Flat butterfly larvae | Minor chewing damage on leaf margins and folded leaf shelters. | No intervention is necessary as the damage is cosmetic and supports native biodiversity. |
| Root Rot | Yellowing leaves, branch dieback, and general decline of the tree. | Primarily a cultural issue. Ensure the tree is planted in well-drained soil and is not overwatered. There is no chemical cure. |
| Sooty mould | Black, powdery coating on the upper surface of the leaves. | Control the underlying sap-sucking insects, such as scale or aphids, to eliminate the food source. |
| Root rot | Yellowing foliage and dieback caused by waterlogged soil. | Improve soil drainage and avoid overwatering in heavy clay soils. |
Making more Elaeocarpus
Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Take 10-15 cm cuttings of semi-hardwood stems during the warmer summer months.
- Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut base in rooting hormone powder.
- Insert into a well-drained propagation mix of perlite and peat.
- Keep warm and humid under mist or a plastic cover until roots establish.
Semi-hardwood Cuttings
- Take 6-inch cuttings from healthy stems in summer.
- Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
- Place in a well-drained potting mix under high humidity.
- Rooting can be slow, taking several months.
Elaeocarpus questions
How many types of Elaeocarpus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Elaeocarpus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 5 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Elaeocarpus grow in?
Across its varieties, Elaeocarpus covers USDA Zones 8–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Elaeocarpus bloom?
Most Elaeocarpus varieties bloom in late spring, spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Elaeocarpus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.