Japanese name: エリオステモン ブクシフォリウス Scientific name:Eriostemon buxifolius
[Overview]
An evergreen shrub usually about 1 m tall.
The branches bear short stiff hairs.
The leaves are simple and alternate, 0.6–1.8 cm long and 0.3–1.2 cm wide, round to broadly elliptic or obovate, with pointed tips, a glossy upper surface and entire margins.
There are no leaf stalks.
The flowers are borne singly in the leaf axils at the branch tips; they are 5-petaled, opening in a star shape 2–3 cm across, with white to pale pink petals.
The buds are deep pink.
There are 10 stamens, which surround the pistil.
The fruit is a capsule.
[Cultivation]
Propagate by cuttings.
It can overwinter outdoors in regions without frost.
It prefers well-drained soil and dislikes heat and humidity.
Grow it in full sun, but in summer let it stay cool in bright, airy shade.
Take care not to make it too wet, and water thoroughly when the soil surface dries.
In spring and autumn, apply slow-release fertilizer placed on the soil, and make sure no fertilizer remains in midsummer.
There are no particular pests or diseases.
