Corsican honeysuckle

prasium majus

Also known as: ["Corsican honeysuckle","Mediterranean boxwood","Island boxwood"]

Family: Lamiaceae Genus: Prasium Category: Shrubs

Overview

A low-growing, evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region, known for its small, glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Prasium
Botanical Name: Prasium majus

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Shrubs
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot in a bright location with indirect light, or outdoor garden bed in a sheltered spot
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Fragrance Lovers Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days, especially in dry indoor environments to maintain humidity
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Light pruning every 4–6 weeks during growing season; major pruning in early spring.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; adjust to morning sun in winter and dappled shade in summer.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; protect from harsh midday sun; place in filtered light outdoors.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves with brown tips indicate overwatering; wilting despite moist soil suggests root rot.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

partial shade to full sun, with protection from intense midday sun

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam with added organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; topdress with compost annually.

Temperature

Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); cooler temperatures (50–60°F or 10–15°C) in winter promote dormancy.

Avoid placing near heating/cooling vents; maintain consistent temperatures; protect from frost.

Fertilizing

every 2–4 weeks during active growth (spring and summer), with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength

Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to remove salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings in spring or early summer.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.

Environment

High humidity (70–80%), warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or cactus soil.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or cut just above a leaf node to promote branching.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or leggy growth to encourage bushier form; shape as needed.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead/overgrown stems; shape plant; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot); ensure drainage holes.

Method

Use fresh well-draining soil; trim rootbound roots; place in slightly larger pot.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the pot; beneficial for growth and health.

Checklist

Check root boundness; prepare new pot; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away completely.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves (too hot); leaf drop or stunted growth (too cold).

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may cause leaf drop or blackened stems if exposed to frost.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from drafts; avoid sudden temperature drops.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or flower drop due to excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with leaves.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Prasium majus may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as mealybugs, which disrupt nutrient uptake and photosynthesis.

Wilting in Prasium majus can result from water stress, either due to under or overwatering, or root damage from pests like mealybugs, which impair water absorption.

Leaf spots on Prasium majus may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthesis and potential leaf drop if the condition spreads.

Rotting in Prasium majus is often associated with overwatering or poor drainage, leading to root or stem rot, which can be fatal if not addressed promptly.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Prasium majus is not known to be toxic to cats. It does not pose a risk of poisoning or adverse effects when ingested or handled.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No special precautions are necessary for cats around Prasium majus.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Prasium majus is not known to be toxic to dogs. It does not pose a risk of poisoning or adverse effects when ingested or handled.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No special precautions are necessary for dogs around Prasium majus.
Humans
Non-toxic

Prasium majus is not known to have any toxic effects on humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption and handling.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No special precautions are necessary for handling or consuming Prasium majus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Prasium majus toxic to pets?

A: No, Prasium majus is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Does Prasium majus attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its fragrant flowers.

Q: What are the common problems with Prasium majus?

A: Common issues include leaf spots and mould or fungal growth.

Quick Reference
Family: Lamiaceae
Care: easy
Light: partial shade to full sun, wit
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","fragrance lovers","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Chaste Tree
View
Mellitis
View
Alpine Savory
View
Fringed Lavender
View