Original from India, China and Japan.
'The Serissa genus has only one species (Serissa foetida syn. Serissa japonica), but comes from a huge family of between 4500 and 5000 species. It is an evergreen shrub to 45 cm high with oval, deep green, rather thick leaves that have an unpleasant smell if bruised. It is grown for its neat habit, good coverage of branches and long flowering time. It is also valued for its rough, grey trunk which tends to get lighter in colour with age.
The Serissa flowers practically all year round, but particularly from spring to near autumn (Thanksgiving or Christmas). The flowers are funnel-shaped and mostly white in colour. Cultivars with double flowers or variegated leaves are also available. ‘Pink Snow Rose’ has pale pink flowers and leaves edged off-white. Fertilizing is especially important during Serissa’s long blooming period.
See also Rubiaceae.
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