Description

Adenandra

There are about 18 species of small evergreen or low spreading shrubs in this genus.  Native to South America and the Cape region of South Africa where they’re found in rocky mountainsides and sea cliffs. There are two species that are grown as ornamental.  Normally maxizing out at 4’ feet tall they have branches that have glands that secretes a sticky substance that are often sticky with small aromatic leaves.  The 5 petal flowers are 1” wide and are white or pink and fragrant in some species that are out of proportion with the leaves. They thrive in deeply worked, free draining, gritty soil and a sunny open position and are ideal for rock or container gardens. In cooler climates put in greenhouse fertilizing sparingly.  Water well in winter and spring but drier in summer. Adenandra uniflora – Enamel Flower – China Flower – This dense twiggy shrub grows 2’ feet tall and 3’ feet wide. The small narrow deep green leaves are born on fine reddish stems.  Spring and summer its covered with 5 petal none fragrant flowers that are quite beautiful.  The white, pink tinged flowers are 1” wide they look like a delicate porcelain, thence the common name. Zones 8-10