PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerate mild afternoon shade in hot, arid climates to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Water deeply during extended dry periods; allow the top 15–20 cm of soil to dry between waterings to avoid root rot
Temperature
Hardy to light frost (down to 5°C); avoid prolonged freezing temperatures; thrives in temperate to subtropical conditions
Characteristics
- Leaf: Glossy dark green oblong-elliptical leaves with serrated margins, up to 15 cm long
- Flower: Dense terminal clusters of fragrant pale pink to white star-shaped flowers, 3–5 cm in diameter
- Stem/Bark: Smooth greyish-brown bark on young trees; becomes fissured with age
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during active growth
Fertilization
Apply a balanced organic fertilizer once at the start of growing season. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production
Banana peel compost tea：Use fully composted banana peels steeped in water for 3 days; dilute the tea 1:20 with water before applying as a root drench; discard solid peels to avoid pest infestationsPruning
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter to improve air circulation
- Thin crowded inner branches to allow light penetration to lower foliage
- Shape the canopy lightly immediately after flowering to maintain a rounded form
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects on humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental garden tree; fragrant flowers attract bees and butterflies; occasionally used for street planting
