African boxthorn
Lycium ferocissimum · Solanaceae
📷 MargaretRDonald · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around african boxthorn and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Fierce boxthorn
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (purple or pink flowers)
- Mature size
- 1.5 to 3 m in height
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Moderate, warm and temperate zones
- Origin
- South Africa
Expert tips
The key tip
Arrosez modérément en période de croissance (printemps-été), puis réduisez drastiquement à l'automne-hiver : cette plante tolère la sécheresse mais pourrit rapidement en excès d'humidité. Un sol bien drainé est non-négociable, même en pot. Pincez les tiges jeunes pour favoriser la ramification naturelle et éviter une silhouette trop élancée.
The common mistake
La plupart des jardiniers tuent leur Lycium ferocissimum en l'arrosant trop régulièrement l'hiver, confondant « rustique » et « gourmand en eau »—c'est faux, il entre en repos et demande très peu d'eau.
The pro's trick
Taillez légèrement après la floraison pour densifier la structure et éliminer les tiges mortes : cette plante repousse vigoureusement et vous gagnez une meilleure fructification l'année suivante. Ne pas tailler du tout la laisse devenir broussailleuse et creuse.
Seasonal watch
En automne-hiver, surveille l'humidité du substrat même après des pluies ou arrosages rares—le feuillage dense ralentit l'évaporation et piège l'humidité au cœur : aère régulièrement et réduis l'arrosage de moitié dès septembre.
Care
Sunlight
Lycium ferocissimum thrives in full sun, which promotes flowering and vigor. It tolerates very bright and sunny locations. Avoid dense shade that would slow its growth.
Watering
Water moderately during active growth, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Once established, this shrub tolerates drought and requires little water. Reduce watering in winter or during dormancy.
Soil and drainage
Prefer well-draining, light to medium soil, slightly acidic to neutral. This shrub tolerates poor and rocky soils. Excellent drainage prevents any risk of root rot.
Pruning and shape
Prune after flowering to maintain a compact form and remove dead or tangled branches. Its spiny nature requires careful handling. Light pruning encourages a bushy and dense habit.
Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer application in spring is generally sufficient. In poor soil, two moderate applications (spring and early summer) will stimulate flowering. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would promote foliage at the expense of flowers.
Health and pests
Generally robust and rarely subject to disease. Watch for mealybugs and aphids in hot, dry conditions. Good drainage prevents fungal rot. Foliage aeration facilitates prevention.
Did you know?
Lycium ferocissimum owes its epithet "ferocissimum" (very fierce) to its extremely numerous and sharp spines, making it a highly defensive plant. In South Africa, it is known for forming impenetrable thickets that serve as natural refuge for local wildlife. Its small orange to red berries long interested botanists and colonial horticulturists for creating robust and impassable hedges as boundary fences.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- TomatoSolanum lycopersicum
- Sweet pepperCapsicum annuum
- EggplantSolanum melongena
- Cape gooseberryPhysalis peruviana
- Night jessamineCestrum nocturnum
- Potato vineSolanum laxum
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.