PORTLANDIA
GRANDIFLORA
A relative of the Gardenia, Portlandia grandiflora has fragrant
flowers. The flowers are large and more fragrant at night.
A slow growing small tree with attractive glossy foliage.
Some trimming
is advised to achieve a clean tree shape. The ideal environment
is filtered light. A little bit of
direct sun does not hurt it. They can even grow in full
sun but the best plants that I have seen
were growing in partial sun to filtered light. Good air
circulation and medium to high humidity
are important. A slow release fertilizer is recommended
like "Dynamite13-13-13." Portlandia's
like alkaline soils, avoid fertilizers that are acidic.
They don't like the cold very much. Portlandia
will grow better when temperatures are above 50° degrees.
They can tolerate temperatures
in the 30's for short periods of time. If planting it
in the yard make sure that there is some
protection from the cold winds (NW) when choosing a location.
Another option is growing
them in containers. They should do very well in pots.
Portlandia's are not indoor plants but if
the right conditions are provided, I don't really see
a reason for them not to grow.
FAMILY
: Rubiaceae
ORIGIN
: Caribbean
TYPE/USES
: small tree, shrub
SIZE
: 8' average
LIGHT
REQUIREMENTS
: partial
full/filtered light
WATER
REQUIREMENTS :
keep moist
MIN. TEMP. : avoid low 30's
FLOWER : warmer months of the year
