About
Coffea racemosa is a semi-evergreen shrub that can reach heights of up to 2.5 meters. It features pairs of leathery, shiny leaves arranged oppositely along the stems. During the summer months, mature specimens produce aromatic white flowers, which are subsequently succeeded by clusters of round, purple-black fruits commonly referred to as "cherries." These fruits develop slowly over time.
About the genus
Coffea is a genus composed of flowering shrubs and small trees found in tropical and southern Africa as well as tropical Asia. Certain species produce seeds commonly referred to as coffee beans, and the plants bear white, fragrant flowers.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1A
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants
- Native to
- Southern Africa
- Fragrance
- Flower
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Under glass grow in peat-free. loam-based potting compost with added extra organic matter. Provide moderate to high humidity and protect from draughts. Water freely during the growing season and apply a balanced liquid feed every two weeks; water moderately in winter. Repot every 2-3 years in spring
- Pruning
- See pruning group 9
- Propagation
- Propagate by sowing fresh seed. Germination may be erratic
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa