How to Grow Pom Pom Bush - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Pom pom bush is a beautiful and unique plant that is native to Australia. It has a dense, round shape and is covered in small, white flowers that resemble pom poms. This plant is an excellent choice for adding textural interest to your landscape.

How to Grow Pom Pom Bush - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Ball-head cosmos
  • Cosmos pinnatus
  • Scarlet cosmos
  • common cosmos
  • garden cosmos

Things to Know

  • The pom pom bush is a native of Brazil.
  • The pom pom bush grows to a height of 3-4 feet.
  • The pom pom bush has dark green leaves.
  • The pom pom bush produces clusters of white flowers.
  • The pom pom bush blooms from May to June.
  • The pom pom bush is propagated by seed.
  • The pom pom bush is an evergreen shrub.
  • The pom pom bush requires full sun to partial shade.
  • The pom pom bush is drought tolerant.
  • The pom pom bush is an excellent choice for hedges, screens, and foundation plantings.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Diamant Rouge

Growing Steps

  1. For pom pom bush, first step is to select a young, vibrant plant that has been started in a pot. If you are growing pom pom bush from seed, start with fresh, viable seeds.
  2. Once you have your plant, water it well and allow the excess water to drain off.
  3. Place your pom pom bush in a location where it will receive full sun for at least six hours per day.
  4. After the plant has been in its new location for a week or so, begin fertilizing it with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer. Apply fertilizer according to manufacturer’s directions.
  5. As your pom pom bush grows, you may need to stake it to keep it from toppling over.
  6. Once the plant has reached the desired height, begin trimming it back to promote bushiness.
  7. If you plan on growing pom pom bush as a perennial, it will need to be winterized each year. This involves covering the plant with a layer of mulch or burlap to protect it from freezing temperatures.
  8. In the spring, remove the mulch or burlap and trim back any dead or damaged branches.
  9. Resume regular watering and fertilizing schedule.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful pom pom bush!

Related plant:
Glory Bush

The Soil

About soil condition, the pom pom bush does best in rich, loamy soil that is well-drained but also retains some moisture. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0. If your soil is too alkaline, you can add organic matter such as peat moss or compost to help lower the pH.

Light condition

Not too different with other pom pom bushes, the pom pom bush requires a good amount of sun to prevent it from becoming leggy and produce fewer flowers. It's important to plant your pom pom bush in an area that gets at least six hours of sun each day. If you live in an area with very hot summers, you might need to provide some afternoon shade to prevent the leaves from scorching.

The Temperature

The temperature condition of the pom pom bush is tropical. It is warm and humid all year round. The temperature rarely dips below 68 degrees Fahrenheit or rises above 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The pom pom bush is native to the tropical regions of South America, Africa, and Asia.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50-70%. If the humidity drops below 50%, the leaves will start to curl and the plant will become stressed. If the humidity rises above 70%, the plant may start to drop leaves.

Fertilizing

The fertilizer, this family of plant requires, can be organic or inorganic. In terms of organic fertilizer, compost and manure are two of the best options. As for inorganic fertilizer, it is recommended to use one with a low nitrogen content. This is because too much nitrogen in the soil can cause the leaves of the pom pom bush to become yellow.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of caring for a pom pom bush. Pruning helps to encourage new growth, keeps the plant healthy, and can improve the plant's appearance. When pruning a pom pom bush, be sure to remove any dead or dying branches. trim back any overgrown branches, and shape the plant to your desired look.

The Propagation

Propagation is commonly done through seed, but it can also be done through cuttings. To propagate through seed, sow the seeds in a well-drained seed-starting mix in spring. Keep the soil moist but not wet and provide bottom heat if possible. The seedlings will emerge in 10-14 days. Once they have 2-3 sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots. To propagate through cuttings, take 4-6 inch stem cuttings from new growth in spring or summer. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone. Stick the cuttings in a well-drained potting mix and keep the soil moist but not wet. Provide bottom heat if possible. The cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks. Once they have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is between one and two inches a week. Some species can grow up to four inches in a week under the right conditions. Fast-growing pom pom bush species include 'Dazzleberry', 'Orange Crush', and 'Solberry'. 'Dazzleberry' is a popular pom pom bush for its striking orange and red leaves. 'Orange Crush' is another popular pom pom bush for its orange leaves and its ability to tolerate heat and humidity. 'Solberry' is a pom pom bush that is known for its red and orange leaves.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are: 1. Powdery mildew 2. Brown spots on leaves 3. Leaves falling off 4. Stunted growth 5. Bush dying back Powdery mildew is the most common problem. It's a white powdery substance that appears on the leaves and stems. It's caused by a fungus that thrives in warm, humid conditions. Brown spots on leaves are usually caused by a fungal disease called leaf spot. It can also be caused by insects or stress. Leaves falling off can be caused by many things, including pests, disease, or stress. Stunted growth can be caused by many things, including pests, disease, or stress. Bush dying back can be caused by many things, including pests, disease, or stress.

Growing Tips

  • Remember to water your pom pom bush regularly. This plant enjoys moist soil, so make sure to keep the soil moist – but not waterlogged.
  • Feed your pom pom bush regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Place your pom pom bush in an area that receives full sun for best results.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases.Common pests that can attack pom pom bushes include aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs.
  • Prune your pom pom bush regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shapes and sizes when trimming your pom pom bush.
  • You can propagate pom pom bushes via stem cuttings.
  • If you live in an area with cold winters, you may need to provide some protection for your pom pom bush.

Alternative Plants

  • pom pom tree
  • pom pom bush
  • pom pom plant
  • pom pom flower
  • pom pom vine
  • pom pom tree
  • pom pom plant
  • pom pom vine
  • pom pom bush
  • pom pom flower

Source:
Infant and Todder Activity Pages: Pom Pom Bottles
Dance Team (Formerly Pom Pon Squad) - Volopedia
Abstract - University of Utah

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category