
A small tree or large shrub Rothmannia globosa is commonly called the Tree Gardenia. Large glossy green foliage that are veined is evergreen to semi deciduous depending on the climate.
Also known as ‘September Bells’ as this is when it flowers in its natural habitat, so spring to early summer. It is an easy care plant in the right conditions.
The flowers best described as bell shaped, a creamy white and with a Gardenia like fragrance. They appear in clusters and usually have pink markings or speckles in the throat.
Although this is a tree that will tolerate dry conditions over a short period, it grows best in a humus rich moist yet well drained soil.
Use it as a feature tree in the garden, a small shade tree, or perhaps prune it as hedge or screening tree. The root system is regarded as being non invasive.
How To Grow Rothmannia globosa – Basic Care
Naturally growing in a range of soils from sandy loam to fertile loamy type soils, it does also like some afternoon light shade. It would grow well in a courtyard with good morning sun and light afternoon shade.
Choose a position that is protected from wind and with a humus rich moist soil. Full morning sun to a little dappled shade in the afternoon is ideal.
- Dig the soil over well before planting adding extra compost and aged cow manure in poorer soils.
- Plant and water in with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
- Mulch around the plant to suppress weeds and maintain a cool moist root run.
- Water well through the first summers.
Pruning
Unless you want it grow into a small tree, prune to the desired shaped size immediately after flowering. Pruning will give you a bushy shaped plant, denser foliage and more flowers.
Propagation
You can propagate Rothmannia globosa from cutting taken in summer or from seed.
Seed are often soaked in warm water for 12 hours before being placed in potting mix or propagation mix and covered with potting mix.
Keep them in a warm position with some humidity.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Rothmannia globosa
- Common Name – Tree Gardenia
- Origin – South Africa
- Position – Full sun to part shade
- Height – To 7 metres plus, often smaller
- Spread – Will form a crown to around 3 metres.
- Growth rate – Medium
- Flowers – Creamy white and fragrant.
- Flowering time – Late spring to summer.
- Foliage – Glossy green and veined.
- Frost tolerant – No
- Drought tolerant – Medium too low.
Other species – Rothmania capensis, this species has larger flowers.
Rothmannia globosa – Tree Gardenia is available for sale from the following participating nurseries
412 James Lane, Fern Hill VIC. 3458 - Phone 0419002651
Large range of Rare plants, Climbers, Bulbs, Perennials Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. Available both Retail and by Mail Order
www.whitehousenursery.com.au
More Information
The fruits are reported to be sweet and juicy, in southern Africa the fruits are dried and used to make decorative necklaces.