African boxwood Plant Care

African boxwood (Drypetes gerrardii) belongs to the Putranjivaceae family within the Drypetes genus. African boxwood is native to tropical and subtropical central and eastern Africa. African boxwood is also known as False white stinkwood.

African boxwood displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. African boxwood produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African boxwood 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.

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

Drypetes gerrardii tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. African boxwood prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining soil mix with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for African boxwood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African boxwood 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 well-draining soil mix with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African boxwood is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 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.

African boxwood can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 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 plant spacing calculator.

Prune African boxwood 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.

African boxwood is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

African boxwood can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to panicledleaf drypetes plant care, which shares the same genus.

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African boxwood 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 boxwood grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. African boxwood is native to tropical and subtropical central and eastern Africa. In cooler regions, grow African boxwood as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.