Coffea arabica
Arabian coffee
An evergreen shrub or tree to 8m, with opposite pairs of glossy, dark green leaves. Once plants are about 4 years old, small, white, fragrant flowers are produced in the leaf axils in summer; these are followed by green fruits that ripen over several months to red "cherries". Each fruit contains two seeds (coffee beans) and under ideal conditions it should be possible to harvest enough for a cup of home-grown coffee
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Red | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Rubiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Coffea are a genus of flowering shrubs or small trees, native to tropical and southern Africa and tropical Asia. The seeds of some species are more commonly known as coffee beans and the white flowers are highly fragranced
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- NE trop. Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in loam-based potting compost with added extra organic matter. Provide moderate to high humidity and protect from draughts. Water freely during the growing season and apply a balanced liquid feed every two weeks; water moderately in winter. Repot every 2-3 years in spring
Propagation
Propagate by sowing fresh seed. Germination may be erratic
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
May require restrictive pruning under glass
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
Get involved
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