Serissa foetida
Common Names: serissa, yellow-rim
Family: Rubiaceae (madder Family)
Shrub Can be Grown in Containers Grows Well Indoors. Has evergreen
foliage Has Unusual or Interesting Foliage Flowers
Description
Serissa is a diminutive evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub with tiny
deep green leaves, pink flower buds and a profusion of little white
funnel shaped flowers. Serissa has many upright wiry stems that
branch freely and form a bushy dome only 2-4 ft (0.6-1.2 m) tall and
wide. The foliage has a very fine texture with densely crowded
opposite leaves to 3/4 in (1.9 cm) long. Bruised leaves have an
unpleasant fetid or rotting smell. Serissa bears its pretty flowers
from early spring until late autumn. They are about 1/2" in (1.3 cm)
across, with a tubular base and 4-6 spreading petal-like lobes. 'Variegata'
has leaves margined with yellow. 'Flore Pleno' has double flowers
and only gets 18 in (45.7 cm) tall. 'Variegated Pink' has pink
flowers and leaves with creamy white margins. 'Mt. Fuji' has leaves
with white streaks and margins. 'Kyoto' is very small, usually less
than a foot in height. 'Sapporo' gets 3-4 ft (0.9-1.2 m) tall and is
said to be among the most cold hardy.
Location
Serissa is native to open woodlands and wet meadows in southeastern
Asia. It is a popular bonsai subject in Japan, where many named
cultivars have been selected.
Culture
Serissa can get straggly after a few years unless it is pruned
regularly. Prune after flowering to keep its fine dense form, and
deadhead spent flowers to increase the blooming period.
Light: Serissa does well in partial shade. Best results are from
plants that have sun in the mornings and shade in the afternoons.
Indoor plants need bright, indirect light.
Moisture: Authorities recommend a soil that retains moisture.
Serissa is not tolerant of drought. Water faithfully, especially
during warm weather. If serissa gets too dry it may drop its leaves;
if that happens do not water until new leaves come back or the roots
will surly rot. For plants in the ground outdoors, mulch over the
root zone, and don't allow grass to encroach.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 7 - 11. Hardiness varies among cultivars and
even among individual plants. Some cultivars do poorly in the heat
and humidity of zones 10 and 11. Most cultivars cannot tolerate
freezing temperatures. Expect any serissa to drop its leaves when
temperatures fall to near freezing.
Propagation: Softwood cuttings can be rooted in spring; ripewood
cuttings in summer. Serissa cuttings can even be rooted in a glass
of water.
Usage
Serissa is one of the most popular of all bonsai subjects, but it
can be difficult to maintain. It has a tendency to drop its leaves
at the first sign of stress - too little water; too much water; too
little light; too cold; too hot; just being moved to a new location,
etc. Never water serissa when it is without leaves.
Use serissa as edging along paths and in front of borders. It
makes a beautiful low hedge, and responds well to pruning. For
massed hedges or edging, set plants about 12 in (30.5 cm) apart.
Serissa also is used in front of foundations and in planter boxes.
Features
The genus Serissa contains just this one species. Serissa's tidy
habit and long blooming period make it an attractive hedge and
edging plant. It was formerly widely planted in Florida gardens (serissa
reminds one of boxwood), but has lost favor in recent years. The
tiny evergreen leaves, gnarled trunk and frequent blooming make the
little serissa a favorite among bonsai enthusiasts. |
