South African honeysuckle

South African honeysuckle (Turraea obtusifolia) prefers moderate to frequent watering. During the warmer months of the growing season (spring to autumn), this plant should be watered about once per week. Make sure the soil never dries out completely; if it does, you may have to water more often. When temperatures are cooler (winter) you should adjust your watering regime to reflect the more dormant state of the plant, which may only require watering about once every 3 weeks. To check if the soil needs to be watered, insert your finger into the soil; if it feels dry, it is time to water. Be sure to water thoroughly, providing enough for the water to reach the deeper roots.

Turraea obtusifolia, or South African honeysuckle, is a plant species native to South Africa and parts of southern Africa. It requires full sun at least 8 hours a day in order to thrive and reach its full potential. Access to indirect sunlight or dappled shade during the hottest part of the day may also be beneficial, as this will help the plant to avoid getting scorched or wilting. For optimal growth, Turraea obtusifolia should receive direct sunlight from the morning until mid- to late afternoon, and it should be given a rest from the heat of the day in the late afternoon.

South African honeysuckle (Turraea obtusifolia) should generally be pruned twice a year, once in the spring before new growth appears, and again in the early fall. During the spring, prune back any dead or damaged branches, as well as any branches that may be crossing or competing with 1 another. Pruning should be kept relatively light so as not to overly stress the plant. In the fall, prune to shape the plant and to remove any dense twiggy growth. Pruning should remove no more than 1 third of the total foliage, being careful not to prune into bare wood, which may encourage dieback. Avoid pruning too heavily in the fall to prevent too much growth during the spring, as this can weaken the plant.