Mussaenda Pink

Family

Rubiaceae

Origin

Philippines

Description

Mussaenda is a tropical shrub or sub-shrub that will grow to 10 ft tall in tropical areas, but more likely will reach 1-3ft tall in containers. Clusters (corymbs) of small, tubular flowers with five spreading lobes bloom in summer, however it is the large and colorful, ovate, leaf-like sepals (to 3" long) that provide the real ornamental display. Some individual flowers in each cluster will develop a single enlarged sepal. Elliptic to ovate, bright green leaves (to 6" long)

'Queen Sirkit' is among the most spectacular of mussaendas, with all five sepals enlarged up to 3.5 inches, in shades of ivory to pale pink.

Environment

Use a well-draining potting mix and keep soils consistently moist. Grow in full sun to part shade. Best bract/sepal color in full sun, but plants also appreciate some mid-day filtered sun in hot climates.

Landscape Use

Ideal for container plant or mixed border. Hibiscus plants are almost constantly visited by a variety of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.