African starbush Plant Care

African starbush (Grewia hexamita) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Grewia genus. African starbush is native to Mozambique and adjoining countries. African starbush is also known as six-seeded crossberry.

African starbush displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. African starbush produces small, bell-shaped flowers in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African starbush every 7–14 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 starbush thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Grewia hexamita tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. African starbush prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for African starbush to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African starbush 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African starbush is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 11b.

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 starbush can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 starbush 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 starbush 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 starbush can be propagated through seeds, hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to velvet grewia plant care, which shares the same genus.

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African starbush is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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 starbush grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. African starbush is native to Mozambique and adjoining countries. In cooler regions, grow African starbush as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.