African Dogwood Plant Care

African Dogwood (Tabernaemontana africana) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Tabernaemontana genus. African Dogwood is native to tropical west Africa from Senegal to Ghana. African Dogwood is also known as Cape Dogwood.

African Dogwood displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. African Dogwood produces fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African Dogwood 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 Dogwood thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing African Dogwood in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

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

Well-draining, fertile soil with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for African Dogwood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African Dogwood 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, fertile soil with added perlite for extra drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African Dogwood is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

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 Dogwood can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 Dogwood 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 Dogwood 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 Dogwood can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to orange tabernaemontana plant care, which shares the same genus.

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African Dogwood is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. 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 Dogwood grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. African Dogwood is native to tropical west Africa from Senegal to Ghana. In cooler regions, grow African Dogwood as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.