Grewia tenax Plant Care

Grewia tenax (Grewia tenax) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Grewia genus. Grewia tenax is native to Africa, from the Sahara to Tanzania and parts of southern Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and on to the Indian subcontinent.

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

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Grewia tenax 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.

Grewia tenax thrives in full sun to partial shade.

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

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

Feed Grewia tenax 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.

Grewia tenax is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 12b.

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.

Grewia tenax 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 Grewia tenax 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.

Grewia tenax 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.

Grewia tenax can be propagated through seeds, hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to velvet grewia plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Grewia tenax 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.

Grewia tenax grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Grewia tenax is native to Africa, from the Sahara to Tanzania and parts of southern Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and on to the Indian subcontinent. In cooler regions, grow Grewia tenax as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.