Bergera koenigii

RHS Plant Profile
curry tree

Other common names

curry leaf, curry leaf tree, karapincha

Synonyms

Murraya koenigii

Trees Conservatory Greenhouse Herbs - Culinary

An evergreen, tropical to subtropical tree growing 4.5m (15ft) high and 3m (10ft across in its native habitat. The leaves are pinnate, having up to 10 pairs of leaflets along a central midrib. They are pungently aromatic, and used as an important flavouring in Indian cuisine. The terminal panicles of white, star-shaped flowers are sweetly fragrant and produced in flushes throughout the year, followed by clusters of red berries. Suitable only for growing as an indoor plant, or overwintered in a cool conservatory in frost-prone climates; but may be placed outdoors in summer to benefit from the extra light and humidity there.

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower Foliage Fruit
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rutaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in an acidic to neutral, moisture-retentive, well drained compost and a position in full sun or partial shade, in a conservatory, greenhouse, or as a houseplant indoors in the UK

Propagation

Propate by seed, or by semi-ripe cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Houseplants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to red spider mite, scale insects and mealy bug

Diseases

Generally disease-free