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Myrsine africana (African boxwood)
1 hour care
per year
per year
1.2m
Max height
Max height
0.8m
Max spread
Max spread
10-20 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Myrsine africana
Other names
African boxwood, Cape myrtle
Genus
Myrsine Myrsine
Species
M. africana - M. africana is a slow-growing, upright, dense, evergreen shrub with rounded to ovate, aromatic, glossy, finely toothed, dark green leaves and, in late spring, umbels of inconspicuous, cream flowers, male flowers with red anthers. On female plants, flowers are followed by spherical, pink fruit ripening dark purple.
Myrsine africana is: Evergreen
Fragrance
Flowers are fragrant.
Habit
Dense, Upright
Flower
Cream, Red in Spring
Foliage
Dark-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest-free.
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 1 or 8.
Propagation methods
Semi-ripe cuttings, Seed
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Where to grow
Myrsine africana (African boxwood) will reach a height of 1.2m and a spread of 0.8m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Woodland, Wallside and trellises, Rock, Ground Cover, Greenhouse, Drought Tolerant, Beds and borders
Cultivation
Grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun or light, dappled shade. Tolerates short periods of frost. In colder areas, grow under glass or overwinter indoors. Tolerates alkaline soil but will fail to thrive in shallow, dry, chalky soil.
Soil type
Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
Botanical name
Myrsine africana
Other names
African boxwood, Cape myrtle
Genus
Myrsine Myrsine
Species
M. africana - M. africana is a slow-growing, upright, dense, evergreen shrub with rounded to ovate, aromatic, glossy, finely toothed, dark green leaves and, in late spring, umbels of inconspicuous, cream flowers, male flowers with red anthers. On female plants, flowers are followed by spherical, pink fruit ripening dark purple.
Native to
Azores, China, Eastern Africa, Himalayas, Southern Africa
Foliage
Evergreen
Fragrance
Flowers are fragrant.
Habit
Dense, Upright
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Colour
Flower
Cream, Red in Spring
Foliage
Dark-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest-free.
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 1 or 8.
Propagation methods
Semi-ripe cuttings, Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Myrsine africana (African boxwood) will reach a height of 1.2m and a spread of 0.8m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Woodland, Wallside and trellises, Rock, Ground Cover, Greenhouse, Drought Tolerant, Beds and borders
Cultivation
Grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun or light, dappled shade. Tolerates short periods of frost. In colder areas, grow under glass or overwinter indoors. Tolerates alkaline soil but will fail to thrive in shallow, dry, chalky soil.
Soil type
Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Clay, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
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