African ebony Plant Care

African ebony (Anthocleista procera) belongs to the Gentianaceae family within the Anthocleista genus. African ebony is also known as False ebony.

African ebony displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. African ebony produces fragrant white or pink tubular flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

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

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

Anthocleista procera tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. African ebony 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 African ebony to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African ebony every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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.

African ebony is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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

African ebony can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune African ebony 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 tree in one year.

African ebony is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

African ebony can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to climbing anthocleista plant care, which shares the same genus.

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African ebony 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.

African ebony grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow African ebony as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.