Luculia [intermedia]--Qiqui

Common Name:
Yunnan luculia
Plant Type:
Evergreen shrub
Family:
Rubiaceae (The Madder Family)
Geographic Origin:
China and Taiwan
California Native?:
No

Plant Size:
To 10 feet
Landscape/Garden Uses:
shade gardens
Flowering Season:
Fall and winter

Flower Color:
Light pink
Exposure:
Light shade
Soils:
Well-drained soil

Suggested Irrigation:
Regular to moderate watering
Estimated Hardiness:
Hardy to 15-20 degrees F.

Evergreen Chinese shrub has deeply veined, shiny, deep green, broadly lance shaped leaves, paler beneath. Umbrella-like clusters of tubular pink blossoms with flat, open faces--resembling those of some rhododendrons--are borne at the shoot tips in summer and fall. The flowers are delightfully fragrant. Grows well near the coast, where it is essentially evergreen (though various texts describe it as deciduous), but does not tolerate sustained summer heat. Thrives in sun or light shade, in well drained, acid soil, being never allowed to dry out. Hardy to 15-20 degrees F.