Scented Bread flower vine

Family

Apocynaceae

Origin

India, Burma & Thailand

Description

Vallaris solanacea is an evergreen, woody climber, which can growth up to about 2 - 3 m tall. Foliage are light green, glossy, opposite leaves are elliptic or ovate with wavy leaf margin. Leaf apex is acute or has a distinct drip tip. Thin, woody stem has light grey, smooth bark.

The Bread Flower has incredibly fragrant white and off-white flowers that smell absolutely divine early in the morning and late in the evening. Flower open in the morning, but their Pandan or burnt rice-like fragrance is strongest in the evening. The plant also attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Environment

Best grown in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained loamy soil

Provide a sturdy pergola or trellis to train plant to climb. It flowers best under full sun, because shady conditions inhibit flowering.

Mulch the plants with compost to prevent the soil from drying out or the roots from overheating. Feed plants with a fertilizer rich in phosphorous to promote flowering.

Landscape Use

It can be trained to drape over a trellis or pergola. Alternatively, you can prune it into a bush. This species will grow well in a large container and is suitable for a sunny patio. It will attract butterflies as a nectar plant for butterfly gardens.