From Papua New Guinea, Medinilla ‘Gregori Hambali’ is a rare and unusual species. A tropical plant it is grown for the wonderful foliage, deeply veined, a felted green upper side and a muted red on the underside.
To add to the interest it has pink flowers that will form along the stem beneath the foliage.
Care
This is another understory plant so it also needs a shaded position. It is also naturally epiphytic, so good drainage is essential.
In cultivation it is usually grown in containers and a very open potting soil with good amounts of sphagnum moss mixed through is often used.
Fertilise with a general purpose slow release type fertiliser when grown in containers. Outdoors a top dressing of cow manure, blood and bone and compost once a year works well.
Pruning
Light tip pruning will give the plant a more bushy habit.
Other Medinilla species include Medinilla magnifica and Medinilla myriantha
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Medinilla ‘Gregori Hambali’
- Common Names – None.
- Position – Shade to Part Shade.
- Soil – Moist and well drained.
- Height – To around 2 metres
- Spread – Around .5 metres.
- Flowers – Pink forming along the stems.
- Flowering time – In Tropical to sub tropical areas, right through the year.
- Foliage – Mid to deep green, veined with red undersides.
- Growth Rate – Medium.
- Frost tolerant – No
- Drought tolerant – No