Medinilla speciosa (showy Asian grapes, "Sangonobotan")

Japanese name: サンゴノボタン （珊瑚野牡丹）
Scientific name: Medinilla speciosa

[Overview]
An evergreen shrub about 1 m tall.
It branches freely into twos or threes and is sometimes semi-climbing.
The stem has ridges and is triangular or square in cross section.
The leaves are simple, in whorls of 3–4, broadly ovate to elliptic, 20 cm long and 15 cm wide, with 5–7 conspicuous veins.
The leaf base has rough, bristly hairs.
The leaf margins are entire.
In Japan it flowers from July to September, but it flowers all year round if the temperature can be maintained, for example in a greenhouse.
Downward-facing panicles at the stem tips bear many pink flowers with 4–5 petals.
The fruit is a spherical berry that ripens from pink to blackish purple.

[Cultivation]
Propagate by cuttings or layering.
The optimal growth temperature is 15°C or higher, so bring it into a sunny, warm room in winter.
It prefers fertile soil that is sunny, well drained and moisture-retentive.
It likes heat and humidity.
With poor sunlight, flowering becomes poor.
Direct summer sun can scorch the leaves, so move it to partial shade or provide shading.
From spring to autumn, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries; keep it on the dry side in winter.
From spring to autumn, apply slow-release fertilizer placed on the soil.
Pests and diseases include spider mites and aphids.

View this page in Japanese (日本語)