Annatto (lipstick tree) Bixa orellana
Annatto (lipstick tree) (Bixa orellana) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Bixaceae family, native to Tropical South America. It grows 3–6 m (10–20 ft) tall and 3–5 m (10–16 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 5 °C (41 °F). Space plants about 3 m (10 ft) apart.
Plan Annatto (lipstick tree) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Annatto (lipstick tree) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Bixaceae |
| Mature height | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–5 m (10–16 ft) |
| Spacing | 3 m (10 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 5 °C (41 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 6–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: seed coat (annatto colouring) |
| Native to | Tropical South America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇲🇽 Mexico |
Is Annatto (lipstick tree) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Annatto is a common food colouring; pet toxicity not documented.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Annatto (lipstick tree)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Annatto (lipstick tree) in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro (2 plants)
- Kew: glasshouses and rock garden (1 plants)
Questions about Annatto (lipstick tree)
- How far apart should I plant Annatto (lipstick tree)?
- About 3 m (10 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–5 m (10–16 ft).
- Does Annatto (lipstick tree) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Annatto (lipstick tree) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Annatto (lipstick tree)?
- It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- When does Annatto (lipstick tree) flower?
- From about July for 6–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Annatto (lipstick tree) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. Annatto is a common food colouring; pet toxicity not documented.
- What grows well with Annatto (lipstick tree)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Annatto (lipstick tree). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
Notes and assumptions
- Tropical: outdoors only in frost-free climates; in temperate gardens grow it under heated glass (as in the Kew Palm House).
- Spiny red seed pods hold seeds coated in orange-red bixin, used for food colour and body paint.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron
- Boxwood Buxus sempervirens
- Oleander Nerium oleander
- Common ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius
- Camellia Camellia japonica
- Gardenia Gardenia jasminoides
- Common lilac Syringa vulgaris