About
Grewia occidentalis, the African starbush, is a shrub, climber or small tree with slender branches and evergreen leaves. In summer it bears small clusters of purplish-pink, star-shaped flowers 3.5 cm across, followed by fleshy, four-lobed, yellowish-orange then purple fruit. A rewarding and ornamental plant for a sheltered, sunny, frost-free garden.
About the genus
Grewia are deciduous or evergreen trees, shrubs and climbers with simple leaves and star-shaped, five-petalled flowers. Native to Africa, Asia and Australia, they are grown as ornamental plants in sheltered gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub, Trees, Conservatory Greenhouse, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toTemp S Africa
Care notes
CultivationGrow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light
PruningPruning group 1, but may need restrictive pruning under glass
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 16°C, or by layering, in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free