Robusta coffee Coffea canephora
Robusta coffee (Coffea canephora) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Rubiaceae family, native to Tropical West and Central Africa (Guinea to Uganda and Angola). It grows 2–10 m (6.6–33 ft) tall and 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about 10 °C (50 °F). Space plants about 3 m (10 ft) apart.
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Robusta coffee at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Mature height | 2–10 m (6.6–33 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 3 m (10 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 10 °C (50 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 1–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: roasted seeds (coffee), ripe fruit pulp |
| Native to | Tropical West and Central Africa (Guinea to Uganda and Angola) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇮🇳 India |
Is Robusta coffee toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: seeds (beans), unripe fruit
The beans contain caffeine (about twice as much as arabica), which is toxic to cats and dogs.
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 Robusta coffee
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
Questions about Robusta coffee
- How far apart should I plant Robusta coffee?
- About 3 m (10 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft).
- Does Robusta coffee need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Robusta coffee need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Robusta coffee?
- It tolerates about 10 °C (50 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does Robusta coffee flower?
- From about March for 1–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Robusta coffee poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people mildly toxic. The beans contain caffeine (about twice as much as arabica), which is toxic to cats and dogs.
- What grows well with Robusta coffee?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Robusta coffee. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- PROTA4U: Plant Resources of Tropical Africa, PROTA Foundation, Wageningen
Notes and assumptions
- Tropical: needs warm nights all year; in a frosty climate grow it under glass or as a summer container plant.
- About 40% of the world’s coffee. Lower and hotter than arabica (sea level to about 800 m), larger leaves, and self-sterile, so plant two or more clones. Scented white flowers open together a week after rain.
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
- Gardenia Gardenia jasminoides
- Sweet woodruff Galium odoratum
- Arabica coffee Coffea arabica
- Jungle geranium (ixora) Ixora coccinea
- Kadam Neolamarckia cadamba
- Taupata (mirror bush) Coprosma repens
- Tiare (Tahitian gardenia) Gardenia taitensis
- Mussaenda (Doña Aurora) Mussaenda philippica