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How to Grow African Boxwood

African Boxwood

Myrsine africana

shrub

African boxwood is a compact, evergreen shrub native to Africa and Asia, prized for its tiny, glossy dark green leaves and dense, slow-growing form. It resembles true boxwood (Buxus) but is often more heat and drought tolerant. This ornamental shrub is excellent for hedging, topiary, borders, and container gardening.

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Example African Boxwood timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant African Boxwood

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest African Boxwood

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact African Boxwood dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun to partial shade, 4-6+ hours of sunlight daily
💧
Water: Moderate watering; keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Once established, quite drought tolerant. Water more frequently in containers.
📏
Spacing: 12-24 inches
📅
Days to maturity: Slow-growing; takes 2-3 years to achieve landscape size
🌱
Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; very shallow; do not bury stem

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Organic compost Perlite or sand for drainage Mulch to retain moisture

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 9-11; tolerates zone 8b in protected locations

9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

First 6-12 months

Young shrub recovering from transplant with compact, dense foliage; growth is minimal in first year

Water regularly to establish deep roots; shelter from harsh winds; avoid fertilizing in first year

2

Early Growth

Year 2-3

Plant begins to fill out with dense, dark green foliage; tiny pale flowers may appear

Maintain consistent moisture; light pruning to shape; begin light fertilizing in spring

3

Mature Growth

Year 4+ (ongoing)

Fully formed shrub with dense, fine-textured foliage and slow, steady annual growth

Prune to maintain shape; annual fertilizing in spring; reduce watering frequency once established

4

Flowering

Spring (brief, 2-4 weeks)

Produces tiny, inconspicuous pale cream or yellowish flowers clustered on branch tips

No special care needed; flowers are ornamental value is minimal; self-fertile

5

Fruiting

Summer through fall

Small berry-like drupes develop, turning from red to dark purple-black when ripe

Provide cross-pollination from nearby plants for better fruit set; fruits attract birds

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Dwarf pittosporum Japanese holly Loropetalum Lavender Rosemary Ornamental grasses Agapanthus

Avoid planting near:

Plants with aggressive root systems Plants requiring constant moisture (in same bed) Walnut trees (juglone allelopathy concern)

Common Pests

  • Inspect regularly; spray with horticultural oil or neem oil in early spring; prune heavily infested branches

  • Increase humidity; spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe; avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen

  • Remove affected leaves; spray with spinosad or neem oil in early season

  • Spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; isolate affected plants

  • Yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; improve air circulation

Uses

🌿

Formal Hedging & Topiary

Ornamental

African boxwood's fine, dense foliage and slow growth make it ideal for creating formal hedges, screens, and intricate topiary shapes. It responds well to pruning and maintains a compact form. [source]

🌿

Container Gardening

Ornamental

The slow-growing, compact nature of African boxwood makes it excellent for decorative pots, patio displays, and bonsai cultivation, especially in cooler climates where it must be grown indoors. [source]

🌿

Landscape Borders & Accents

Ornamental

Use as a low border plant, foundation planting, or accent shrub in mixed beds. Its dark foliage provides excellent color contrast to flowering plants and lighter-leaved shrubs. [source]

🦋

Bird Food & Habitat

Wildlife

The small purple-black fruits attract birds and provide autumn food sources. The dense foliage offers shelter and nesting sites for various bird species. [source]

💊

Traditional Medicine

Medicinal

In African and Asian traditional medicine, Myrsine africana is used to treat various ailments including fever and inflammation. Some cultures use leaf extracts for respiratory support. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

African boxwood is not harvested for food. For ornamental purposes, prune and shape as needed in spring or fall. Remove dead or diseased wood year-round. Collect berries in fall if desired for propagation or bird food.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 African boxwood grows so slowly that a mature hedge may gain only 2-4 inches per year, making it extremely low-maintenance once established.
  • 🌱 Despite resembling European boxwood (Buxus), African boxwood is actually more heat and drought tolerant, making it better suited to warm climates and dry conditions.
  • 🌱 The tiny flowers and fruits are often overlooked, but they attract diverse wildlife including birds, bees, and beneficial insects that feed on scale insects.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Full Sun Partial Shade Pollination Transplant
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