PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates coastal sun exposure and mild salt spray
Watering
Water deeply when top 5 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Thrives in warm subtropical climates; protect from frost below 10°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Opposite, elliptical, glossy dark green, 5–15 cm long, with smooth margins
- Flower: Clusters of small, white, fragrant tubular blooms arranged in terminal panicles
- Stem/Bark: Young stems have sharp spines; mature bark is grayish-brown and slightly fissured
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth periods
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once at the start of growth. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prioritize flowering over excessive foliage growth
Eggshell powder top-dress：Crush clean, dried eggshells into fine powder; dust lightly around the base of the plant every 3 months to boost soil calcium levelsPruning
- Prune immediately after flowering to maintain desired shape and remove dead or damaged branches
- Trim sharp spiny stems in high-traffic areas to reduce injury risk
- Thin overcrowded inner growth to improve air circulation and promote better flowering
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No documented toxicity to cats
Humans: No documented toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental garden specimen, hedge plant; fragrant blooms attract bees and butterflies
