The lipsticktree (Bixa orellana) is a tropical evergreen shrub or small tree native to Central and South America, prized for its ornamental appeal and rich cultural history. Growing 6 to 12 feet tall as a shrub (occasionally reaching 20 to 30 feet as a tree), it thrives in USDA Zones 10-12 where it displays pointed, heart-shaped leaves and showy pink flowers followed by striking, decorative fruit. This plant has traveled the globe, establishing itself across Southeast Asia, India, and the Philippines, becoming as valued for its visual drama as for its traditional uses.
Full Sun
Moderate
10-12
144in H x 144in W
—
High
Hover over chart points for details
The lipsticktree produces ornamentally showy flowers and equally striking fruit that command attention in any tropical garden. Its robust constitution requires minimal maintenance once established, handling moderate water and full sun with ease. The plant grows naturally as either a bushy shrub or an upright tree form, offering flexibility in landscape design, and its capacity to serve as a hedge makes it particularly useful for creating tropical screens and boundaries.
The lipsticktree serves dual purposes in tropical landscapes: as a striking ornamental specimen and as a functional hedge plant. Its showy flowers and decorative fruit make it a natural focal point in gardens, while its dense growth habit supports its use as a living screen or privacy barrier. Beyond the garden, the plant's seeds and fruits have traditional applications in food coloring, cosmetics, and cultural practices across multiple continents.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Prune in early spring to shape the plant and direct its growth toward your desired form. Light pruning maintains dense foliage and encourages a fuller shrub; heavier pruning can encourage development toward a more open, tree-like structure. Remove any crossing or damaged branches to maintain plant health and visual appeal.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“Bixa orellana originated in the tropical regions of Central and South America before spreading across the tropical world over centuries. Its introduction to Southeast Asia, India, and the Philippines reflects both trade routes and the plant's immense value to diverse cultures. This isn't a recently developed hybrid or a modern cultivar; it's a plant with deep roots in multiple civilizations, each of which recognized and cultivated its unique properties.”