Mussaenda
Family: Rubiaceae
August, 19, 2011 This shrub is sometimes referred to as “Bangkok Rose”. It produces a showy display in shades of white, pink, salmon to red over an extended period. Unfortunately, the bushes are not so attractive in winter when they can loose their leaves if we have had a drought. Therefore, they might be best in a mixed garden where other plants can provide interest when the Mussaenda is not in flower.
Bracts or sepals? The showy part of the Mussaenda flower is composed of enlarged sepals, either white or variously coloured. In a “typical” flower, the petals are the showy component while the sepals (which form the calyx) are usually green and relatively inconspicuous in the open flower.
I Plant in a rich loam and keep it evenly moist until it is established. It roots well from a cutting of the harder stems.
I prefer to have it stand a lone with lots of space for optimum growth.
From the beautiful gardens of Generis Taylor-Hodge