Fever Tree Plant Care

Fever Tree (Alberta magna) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Alberta genus. Fever Tree is native to KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Fever Tree is also known as Medicinal Albertia.

Fever Tree displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. Fever Tree produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Fever Tree every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Fever Tree thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Fever Tree in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Alberta magna tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Fever Tree prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Fever Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Fever Tree every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Fever Tree is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Fever Tree can spread to about 3 ft (0.8 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.8 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Fever Tree while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Fever Tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Fever Tree can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Fever Tree is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Fever Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Fever Tree is native to KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Fever Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.