Elaeocarpus dentatus
Elaeocarpus dentatus · Elaeocarpaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around elaeocarpus dentatus and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Blue tears tree, Elaeocarpus dentatus
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (white or pink flowers)
- Mature size
- 3 to 6 m in height, shrubby to small tree form
- Growth
- Moderate to fast in favorable climate
- Hardiness
- Frost-sensitive, subtropical to tropical climate (10-15 °C minimum)
- Origin
- New Zealand
- Soil type
- Well-draining, slightly acidic, rich in organic matter
Care
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist during the growing season, without waterlogging. Reduce watering in winter. Water at the base in the morning to limit fungal diseases. In pots, check that water drains well through the drainage holes.
Light and climate
Place your Elaeocarpus dentatus in bright light, partial shade to sun depending on your local climate. In warm regions, partial afternoon shade prevents leaf desiccation. This plant fears frost and strong winds; protect it in temperate climates or grow it as a winter container plant.
Soil and repotting
Use a rich, porous, well-draining substrate enriched with compost or peat. Slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal. In pots, repot every 2-3 years in spring with a general-purpose potting mix amended with perlite.
Fertilization
Apply balanced fertilizer (NPK close ratio) or one formulated for acid-loving plants once a month during growth (spring-summer). Reduce or stop feeding in autumn-winter. Well-decomposed compost on the surface also benefits overall vigor.
Pruning and training
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact, balanced shape. Remove dead or crossing branches. On young plants, pinch regularly to encourage dense branching and a bushy form.
Pests and diseases
Watch for spider mites and scale insects, especially indoors in dry conditions. Excess humidity promotes fungal issues; ensure good air circulation and avoid wetting the foliage. Inspect new growth regularly and treat promptly if infestation occurs.
Did you know?
The Elaeocarpus dentatus is renowned in New Zealand for its cobalt blue fruits and delicate little characteristic flowers. Its berries have long fascinated botanists and the indigenous Māori peoples for their ornamental properties and cultural symbolism. Today, this tree remains a collector's treasure in temperate gardens and ranks among the most sought-after New Zealand shrubs for enthusiasts of temperate exoticism.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.