African Boxwood
Myrsine africana
Also listed as Myrsine retusa, Buxus dioica
Also known as African Cape-myrtle, Cape-myrtle, Cape Beech
Climate Match for your location
See how well African Boxwood grows in your area.
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African Boxwood is a dense, slow-growing evergreen shrub with small dark green leaves and tiny cream-colored flowers, making it an excellent compact ornamental for borders and containers. It tolerates part shade and is relatively low-maintenance once established.
Why grow it
African Boxwood offers a finer texture and slower growth habit than common boxwood (Buxus), making it useful where a more delicate-looking evergreen screen is desired without frequent shearing. Its tolerance for partial shade and container cultivation distinguishes it from many compact ornamentals that demand full sun, broadening planting options in mixed borders and courtyards.
Watch out for
In cooler climates, establish this plant in a sheltered microclimate, as it is less cold-hardy than traditional boxwoods and may experience dieback in exposed sites. Prolonged waterlogging can stress the plant, so ensure drainage is adequate during heavy rainfall or in areas with poor soil percolation.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Primulaceae
Native Range
East Africa
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
African Boxwood is a dense, slow-growing evergreen shrub with small dark green leaves and tiny cream-colored flowers, making it an excellent compact ornamental for borders and containers. It tolerates part shade and is relatively low-maintenance once established.
Climate Match for your location
See how well African Boxwood grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
African Boxwood offers a finer texture and slower growth habit than common boxwood (Buxus), making it useful where a more delicate-looking evergreen screen is desired without frequent shearing. Its tolerance for partial shade and container cultivation distinguishes it from many compact ornamentals that demand full sun, broadening planting options in mixed borders and courtyards.
Watch out for
In cooler climates, establish this plant in a sheltered microclimate, as it is less cold-hardy than traditional boxwoods and may experience dieback in exposed sites. Prolonged waterlogging can stress the plant, so ensure drainage is adequate during heavy rainfall or in areas with poor soil percolation.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Primulaceae
Native Range
East Africa
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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