African Boxwood
Myrsine africana · Primulaceae
📷 A. Barra · CC BY 3.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around african boxwood and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Family
- Primulaceae
- Foliage
- Evergreen, small and leathery
- Flowering
- April to May, discrete white-pink flowers
- Adult height
- Up to 2 m
- Form
- Compact and bushy shrub
- Growth
- Moderate to slow
- Origin
- South Africa and tropical regions
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
African myrsine is an elegant shrub that grows slowly but steadily. Water moderately; it tolerates temporary drought well.
The common mistake
Watering too frequently: this leads to root rot, especially in pots or poorly draining soil.
The pro's trick
Pinch back young stems in spring (April-May) to naturally increase density.
Care
Light
Place your myrsine in part shade to partial shade. It also tolerates indirect light but dislikes direct exposure to harsh rays in very hot regions. A location protected from cold wind is recommended.
Watering
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but well-drained. During the growing season (spring-summer), increase watering; in winter, reduce it by allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid excess moisture that promotes root rot.
Soil
Prefer a rich, well-draining substrate that is slightly acidic to neutral. A mix of universal potting soil with a little sand or perlite improves aeration. Myrsine appreciates loose soils and cannot tolerate root suffocation.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced diluted fertilizer every 15 to 20 days during the growing season (April to September). Reduce or stop fertilizing in autumn and winter. Avoid overdosing which throws the plant off balance.
Pruning and shaping
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact, dense form. Remove dead, diseased or unsightly branches. Moderate pruning promotes branching and a fuller, more attractive shrub.
Pests and diseases
Watch for scale insects and red spider mites, particularly in dry environments. Regularly inspect the foliage and treat promptly if needed. Good drainage and sufficient aeration prevent fungal diseases.
Did you know?
Myrsine africana has long been used in traditional African medicine for its supposed tonic and purifying properties. In South Africa, it grows naturally in coastal and mountainous regions, where it plays an ecological role by providing berries and foliage to birds and small mammals.
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
- Dotted loosestrifeLysimachia punctata
- Eastern sowbreadCyclamen coum
- SowbreadCyclamen hederifolium
- Yellow loosestrifeLysimachia vulgaris
- CowslipPrimula veris
- Scarlet pimpernelLysimachia arvensis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.