[Overview]
Deciduous or evergreen shrubs to small trees.
The leaves are simple, alternate or opposite.
They bear umbels, racemes or panicles with many flowers.
The flowers are small, white to blue or pink.
The fruit is a capsule.
[Cultivation]
Propagate by cuttings.
Take cuttings from late summer to autumn, while temperatures are still high.
It prefers a sunny, airy site with slightly dry, fertile soil.
It dislikes heat and humidity, and is best suited to an environment that is mild and rainy in winter and dry in summer.
Avoid direct sunlight in midsummer and strong afternoon sun from the west.
It is said to overwinter at −5 degrees or above, and can be planted in the open ground in southern Kanto and further south.
In cold regions, grow it in a pot and keep it indoors in winter.
It dislikes being transplanted.
For potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries.
For plants in the garden, watering is not particularly necessary unless it becomes severely dry.
Apply slow-release fertilizer in spring and around September.
