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Myrsine africana

African boxwood

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

Other common names
Cape myrtle

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Brown Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green Blue
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Primulaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Columnar upright
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

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