How to Grow Akoko
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Akoko
Newbouldia laevis
shrubAkoko is a tropical West African shrub known for its striking bright red, tubular flowers and medicinal properties. It grows as an ornamental flowering plant and is traditionally used in African folk medicine for various ailments. The plant produces clusters of vibrant blooms and can reach 2-4 meters in height.
When should you plant Akoko in your zone?
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Example Akoko timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Akoko
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Akoko
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Akoko dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in warm tropical zones 10b-12; requires frost-free conditions year-round
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Get my Akoko timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall green shoots with 2-4 leaves emerge from soil; delicate and vulnerable
Keep soil moist, provide bright indirect light, maintain warm temperatures (70-80°F), protect from strong winds
Vegetative
4-8 weeksPlant develops multiple stems and larger compound leaves; bush becomes fuller and more robust
Pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness, provide consistent moisture and nutrients, full sun exposure, stake if needed for support
Budding
2-3 weeksTerminal buds form at branch tips; flower clusters begin to develop with visible color change
Continue full sun exposure, maintain steady watering, reduce nitrogen-heavy fertilizer, increase phosphorus for flower development
Flowering
6-12 weeks or longer with proper careBright red tubular flowers bloom in dense clusters; very ornamental and attracts pollinators
Maintain consistent moisture, deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms, provide balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks, monitor for pests
Fruiting & Seed Set
4-8 weeksAfter flowering, small fruit pods develop containing seeds; plant may enter dormancy in cooler months
Allow some flowers to remain for seed development if desired, reduce watering slightly, minimal fertilizer needed, prepare for dormancy in winter regions
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge, use insecticidal soap, increase humidity, neem oil applications
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in alcohol, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap, prune heavily infested branches
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Scrape off manually, apply horticultural oil, use systemic insecticides if severe
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, maintain good air circulation
Uses
Traditional West African Medicine
MedicinalAkoko leaves and bark are used in traditional African medicine to treat malaria, fever, wounds, and respiratory conditions. The plant contains alkaloids and other bioactive compounds with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Herbal Tea & Tonics
CulinaryLeaves are brewed into medicinal teas used to support immune function and digestive health in traditional African practices. The preparation is valued for its bitter tonic properties. [source]
Ornamental Flowering Plant
OrnamentalVibrant red tubular flowers make Akoko an attractive landscape specimen for tropical gardens, containers, and cut flower arrangements. The plant provides year-round visual interest with seasonal flowering. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
HouseholdFresh flower clusters are excellent for floral displays and can last 1-2 weeks in water. The striking red color and unique tubular form make them popular in tropical bouquets. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeTubular flowers attract hummingbirds, sunbirds, and other pollinators, making Akoko valuable for supporting wildlife in tropical gardens. The abundant nectar provides excellent food source. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Akoko is primarily grown for ornamental flowers and medicinal leaves. Harvest leaves in morning after dew dries for medicinal use; cut stems with flowers for arrangements. Flowers are typically at peak color 1-2 days after opening. For seed collection, allow mature seed pods to dry on plant, then harvest and store in cool, dry conditions.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 In Nigeria and other West African countries, Akoko is called 'Sowara' or 'Ifiko' and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat various ailments, particularly malaria and infections.
- 🌱 The bright red flowers are specifically adapted to attract hummingbirds and sunbirds, which are the plant's primary pollinators in its native tropical habitat.
- 🌱 Akoko grows abundantly in the wild throughout West Africa and is often found along roadsides and disturbed areas, making it an easy plant to cultivate in appropriate climates.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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