Acokanthera oblongifolia

RHS Plant Profile

poison arrow plant

Other common names

wintersweet

Synonyms

Acokanthera spectabilis

Shrubs Trees

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A medium-sized, dense tropical evergreen shrub or small tree up to 4m in height with glossy, oblong-shaped dark green foliage which turns purple in the autumn. Clusters of fragrant, star-shaped white flowers appear in spring and summer, followed by olive-shaped purple to black fruits. Known as 'Bushman's Poison', the sap was originally used by bushmen to make poisonous arrows and all parts of the plant are highly toxic

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H3
Drought Resistance: Yes

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Apocynaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Bushy, Columnar upright
Potentially harmful: Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs)Harmful if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus
Name Status: Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Prefers well-drained humus-rich soil in a warm, sunny location. Will tolerate coastal conditions and drought but will need protection from frost in winter

Propagation

Propagate by cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Coastal
Cottage and informal garden
Mediterranean climate plants
Low Maintenance
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Prune back after flowering. See pruning group 8

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free