Mountain currant Plant Care

Mountain currant (Scolopia oreophila) belongs to the Salicaceae family within the Scolopia genus. Mountain currant is native to KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa. Mountain currant is also known as African redwood.

Mountain currant displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Mountain currant produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Mountain currant 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.

Mountain currant thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Scolopia oreophila tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Mountain currant prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Mountain currant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Mountain currant 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 loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Mountain currant is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11a.

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.

Mountain currant can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 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 Mountain currant 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.

Mountain currant 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.

Mountain currant can be propagated through seeds, hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mund's scolopia plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Mountain currant is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. 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.

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