Myrsine africana

RHS Plant Profile
African boxwood

Other common names

Cape myrtle

Shrubs

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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Primulaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Columnar upright
Genus
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Africa to China & Taiwan

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