Grewia occidentalis
African starbush
A shrub, climber or small tree, with slender branches and evergreen leaves. In summer it bears small clusters of purplish-pink, star-shaped flowers, 3.5cm across, followed by fleshy, four-lobed, yellowish-orange then purple fruit
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Orange Purple | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Grewia are deciduous or evergreen trees, shrubs and climbers with simple leaves and star-shaped, five-petalled flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Temp S Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in loam-based potting compost in full light
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 16°C, or by layering, in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
Pruning group 1, but may need restrictive pruning under glass
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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