Greenhouse Shrub

• Germination : Experience Useful
• Aftercare : Care Required
• Ideal for : Conservatories, Greenhouses
• Height : 10 feet

Description

An attractive and exotic, deciduous foliage plant, with large, shiny green leaves, which is best known for its showy clusters of waxy flowers produced over a long period which have a delicious and intense fragrance. Sometimes called 'Temple Trees', the Frangipani is grown throughout the tropics, and in Hawaii their long-lasting flowers are used in Leis. The mixture we offer is harvested from pink, red, white and yellow flowered hybrids. Height 1-3m (3-10ft), Flowers summer. Requirements: They are best grown in the greenhouse or conservatory In large pots or tubs. They like sunny conditions such as suit cacti and need a minimum winter temperature of 13C (55F).

Sowing Instructions

The seeds are almost flat, pale brown, 2.5cm long with a fibrous 'tail'. They should be sown any time from late winter to mid summer. Before sowing, trim off most of the tail carefully with scissors and then soak the seed for 2 hours in lukewarm water, then sow 1.5mm (1/16in) deep in a good, moist but not wet, free draining compost. Seal in a polythene bag or cover with glass until germination which usually takes 14-30 days at 21C (70F). Once the seedlings are well through, remove the glass or polythene bag and place the seed container in a well lit, well ventilated place at a temperature of around 15-18C (60-65F).

Aftercare

Grow them on in full light, with good ventilation in a conservatory, greenhouse or even a sunny window. Water moderately at all times, but in winter, after the leaves have fallen, keep the plants dry until spring when moderate rewatering can commence. Top dress with fresh compost each spring and apply regular mist sprays of warm water as the flowers expand. After flowering, cut back the side shoots to 3-4 buds.

Hardiness: In the UK, Europe, North America, Japan, and Australia they should be treated as frost tender plants with the exception of warm temperate and tropical climates.