The ‘Bangkok Rose’

Mussaenda are commonly known as the ‘Bangkok Rose’ and plants are very popular tropical plant with colourful flower bracts and good foliage as well. They are available in a number of forms including Mussaenda philippica ‘Aurorae’ or White Tropical Dogwood.
Pink flowering, White and Red varieties can be found, all attractive small trees to shrubs that will reach around 2m in height.
The flower itself is small, however the bracts or inflorescence that surrounds it is very large, colourful and attractive.
Native to Southeast Asia, they thrive in tropical and subtropical climates, making them a perfect addition to gardens and landscapes in warm regions. They can also be grown in containers so are suited to patios, courtyards and balconies.
Named Cultivars
- M. ‘Dona Luz’ is a very popular and attractive dusky mid pink flowering cultivar.
- M. ‘Queen Sirikit’ has softer pink flowers.
- M. ‘Marmalade’ has orange and yellow flowers.
- M. ‘Capricorn Dream’ with its brilliant red sepals is very showy.
- M. ‘Capricorn Ice’ has white sepals with deeper yellow flowers.
How to Grow Mussaenda – Basic Care
Mussaenda are really a tropical plant, some forms such as M. erythrophylla will survive as far south as Sydney in ideal conditions.
In cooler climates and in areas with dry winters, these are a deciduous plant, in the tropics they can hold foliage year round. Flowering time is summer, however they will spot flower right through until early winter.
All species require sun with a little afternoon shade if possible. A humus rich moist soil is best. A drip system to maintain moisture is advisable.
Sunlight Requirements:
Mussaenda plants prefer full sun to partial shade. In hot climates, a little afternoon shade can help protect the plant from scorching sun. However, they will bloom best with ample sunlight. Try for a good 3 – 4 hours of morning sun and then late afternoon sun.
So Full sun to part shade (6-8 hours of sunlight per day).
Soil:
Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil is ideal. Sandy loam or rich, loamy soil is perfect for growing Mussaenda. pH: a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5 to 7.0).
Good drainage is essential to prevent water logging and root rot. Avoid heavy clay soils.
Watering:
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the warmer months. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Do not let potted plants sit in saucers of water.
Regular watering during the growing season, but reduce watering in cooler months.
Be careful not to overwater; this can lead to root rot. Ensure the soil is well-drained.
Fertiliser:
Feed your Mussaenda with a balanced liquid fertiliser during the growing season (spring to autumn). A slow-release organic fertiliser with balanced NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) can also be used applied in spring..
For best growth, liquid fertilise every 4-6 weeks during active growth. Reduce or stop fertilising during winter or dormant periods.
You can use cow manure and organic compost on outdoor specimens grown in the ground to maintain soil fertility.
Temperature:
Ideal Temperature for Mussaenda are warm temperatures between 20-30°C (68-86°F). It can tolerate temperatures as low as 15°C (59°F) but may struggle in colder cliimate zones.
Frosts : This is a tropical plant and is sensitive to frost. It should be protected from temperatures below 10°C (50°F) or brought indoors during cooler months in colder regions.
Climate Zones:
Best suited sub tropical to tropical zones such as USDA zones 10-11, where the climate remains warm year-round.
Mussaenda can be grown cooler zones as a container plant, where a warm microclimate is provided and the can be moved indoors during winter months
In Tropical & Subtropical Zones the plant can be grown outdoors year-round.
Pruning
Prune Mussaenda during spring to keep in shape. It is recommended not to prune back by more than 1/3. With older plants that need rejuvenation and hard pruning, prune back 1/4 to 1/3 of the plant each year until the desired size is achieved.
When hard pruned new growth will take over and renew the plant.
Propagation.
Mussaenda can be propagated from seed however germination can be difficult.
Cuttings are more reliable though success rate depends on the cultivar, some being more difficult than others.
- Cuttings should be taken from new growth which has hardened a little.
- A rooting hormone which contains IBA (indole butyric acid) is strongly recommended.
- Cuttings can be taken in spring or autumn in tropical to sub tropical climates.
- Keep the plants in a humid environment until they strike.
- Once new growth begins you can slowly harden them off.
- Best grown on in pots for a year before planting out, or potting up.
Layering is slow but works well, Ariel layering (marcotting) is also successful.
Mussaenda Species
- M. frondosa – A smaller shrub to around 2 metres, also called the Dhobi Tree..
- M. luteola – This is a dwarf species, white sepals with yellow flowers.
- M. erythrophylla – An interesting species in that it can be used as a climbing plant, commonly called Red Flag or Ashanti Blood. Dona Luz is a classic variety. Queen Sirikit is a hybrid between Dona Luz and Mussaenda philippica ‘Aurorae’
- M. phillipica – Very attractive white flower bracts and sometimes called the tropical dogwood.
- M. glabra. – Another draw variety with white to yellow flowers.
- M. Incana – This is another dwarf species from India and Malaysia which can be used as a ground cover plant.

Etlingera elatior








Did You Know/
- Mussaendas will flower almost year-round in suitable climates and soil. Flowering is determined by temperature, soil, moisture and soil fertility.
In cooler climates flowering will be restricted to the warmer months. So in the Souther hemisphere they can make an interesting replacement to the ever present. - Mussaenda will grow in shade, however growth tends to be lax or leggy and flowering is not as prolific.
- In flower Mussaenda attract butterflies, bees and other pollinators to the garden.