Agathosma crenulata
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Agathosma crenulata

Oval buchu · Ovate buchu · Ovate buchuleaf · Long buchu · Buchu

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 9–11
Click count
1
Observations
1

Description

Source: wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

Agathosma crenulata is a flowering plant in the family Rutaceae, native to the lower elevation mountains of southwestern South Africa, where it occurs near streams in fynbos habitats. It is an evergreen shrub growing to 1.5-2.5 m tall. The leaves are opposite, oval, 15–35 mm long and 7–18 mm broad. The flowers are white or pale pink, with five petals; the fruit is a five-parted capsule which splits open to release the seeds.

Care Guide

💧 Water
☀️ Light Full sun

Buchu comes from open habitats, such as sunlit meadows and forest edges, which supply abundant light. It flourishes in Full Sun but can also endure Partial Sun, demonstrating adaptability to different sunlight conditions.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

Buchu tolerates temperature well, handling heat and considerable temperature fluctuations. In hot weather, you should monitor watering and give sufficient shade to avoid sunburn. On the other hand, Buchu is fairly sensitive to cold. It can endure some chill, but overly low temperatures may cause frost damage.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

The timing of fertilizing Buchu is important. Apply fertilizer beginning in early spring and then once a month through early summer. Fertilizer promotes attractive blooms and supplies energy during both dormant and active growth periods.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

Buchu plants are valued for their aromatic leaves, which are used both medicinally and ornamentally. To encourage healthy growth and shape, it is best to prune them in early spring. During pruning, remove any dead branches and thin out dense areas to improve air circulation. Light pruning helps invigorate the plant and ensures a vibrant growing season. Avoid heavy cuts, as they can cause unnecessary stress to the plant.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Agathosma
Family
Rutaceae
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Mature Height
0.91 m to 2.13 m
Mature Spread
49 cm to 91 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Pink, White
Flower Size
1.02 cm to 1.52 cm
Bloom Time
Fall
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Winter
Native Area
South Africa

Tags (6)

Common Names (5)

en Oval buchu
en Ovate buchu
en Ovate buchuleaf
en Long buchu
en Buchu