PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerate mild afternoon shade in hot, arid regions to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil dries out; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Thrives in 18–28°C; protect from frost below 5°C by moving container plants indoors in winter
Characteristics
- Leaf: Simple ovate to lanceolate leaves, glossy dark green, 5–12 cm long with smooth margins
- Flower: Dense terminal clusters of tubular bright red to deep pink blooms, fragrant in evening
- Stem: Woody branching stems with smooth light brown bark
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; increase frequency during prolonged hot, dry spells
Fertilization
Diluted balanced liquid feed every 2 weeks. Cease fertilization in autumn to prepare the plant for dormancy
Composted coffee grounds tea：Use fully composted coffee grounds to avoid pH imbalance; dilute 1:25 with water for root drenching and filter out solids to prevent pest attractionPruning
- Prune immediately after flowering to maintain compact shape and encourage new bloom growth
- Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches to improve air circulation
- Trim back leggy stems in early spring to promote bushier, more vigorous growth
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and tremors
Humans: All parts contain solanine-like alkaloids; ingestion causes mild gastrointestinal upset
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental garden shrub; attracts hummingbirds and nocturnal moths with fragrant blooms
