Myrsine africana
African boxwood
A slow-growing, half-hardy evergreen shrub to around 1.2m high, with an upright habit and small, aromatic, glossy green leaves to 2cm long. Clusters of tiny yellow-brown flowers are borne in the leaf axils in late spring; if pollinated these are followed on female plants by small pale blue berries
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow Brown | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | Blue | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Primulaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Although lime-tolerant, this species will not thrive on dry, shallow chalk. Both male and female plants are required to produce berries
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn, or by semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Garden edging
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pruning group 1 or 8; may be clipped as low hedging
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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