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Conservatory GreenhouseHouseplantsShrubs

Persea americana

avocado

P. americana is a bushy evergreen shrub or small tree, with glossy, lance-shaped or elliptic leaves, rarely flowering in cultivation in temperate climates

Other common names
aguacate
alligator pear
see moreavocado pear
midshipman's butter
palta
vegetable marrow
West Indian avocado
© RHS 1999
© RHS 1999
© RHS 1999
© RHS 1999
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical details
Family
Lauraceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Persea are evergreen shrubs or small trees with simple leaves and small greenish flowers, followed by pear-shaped, dark green fruits with edible flesh

Name status

Correct

Plant range
C. America

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How to grow

Cultivation

In temperate climate grow under cover in containers at least 30cm (12in) in diameter using soil based compost such as John Innes No.3 with added sharp sand. Maintain temperatures of 20-28°C (68-82°F) and high humidity. Apply balanced liquid feed every 2-3 weeks

Propagation

Propagate by seed. Soak undamaged seed in hot for 30 minutes at 40-52°C (104-125°F). Cut a thin slice from the pointed end of the seed. Sow individually in moist sandy compost with the cut end slightly above the soil surface and keep at 20-25°C (68-77°F). Cultivars are propagated by grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Glasshouse whitefly, thrips and glasshouse red spider mite and mealybug may be a problem

Diseases

Can suffer from fungal leaf spots and Phytophthora root rot

Get involved

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