Rooibos (red bush) Aspalathus linearis
Rooibos (red bush) (Aspalathus linearis) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Fabaceae family, native to Cederberg and nearby mountains of the Western and Northern Cape, South Africa (fynbos). It grows 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall and 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 1 m (3.3 ft) apart.
Plan Rooibos (red bush) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Rooibos (red bush) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1 m (3.3 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4–6 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about October for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: leaves and twigs (fermented and dried for tea) |
| Native to | Cederberg and nearby mountains of the Western and Northern Cape, South Africa (fynbos) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa |
Is Rooibos (red bush) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; caffeine-free tea.
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 Rooibos (red bush)
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
- caution With English lavender: Acid-loving plants need pH 4.5–5.5, lavender prefers neutral to alkaline soil; one bed cannot suit both. Evidence B
Questions about Rooibos (red bush)
- How far apart should I plant Rooibos (red bush)?
- About 1 m (3.3 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft).
- Does Rooibos (red bush) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Rooibos (red bush) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Rooibos (red bush)?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Rooibos (red bush) flower?
- From about October for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Rooibos (red bush) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; caffeine-free tea.
- What grows well with Rooibos (red bush)?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden: gardens and collections, South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)
Notes and assumptions
- A wiry, needle-leaved fynbos shrub of acid, sandy soil with a winter-rainfall, summer-dry climate; hard to grow elsewhere. Cut, bruised and fermented, the green twigs turn red. Khoe and San people used it long before it became a farmed crop in the 1930s.
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
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis