LUCULIA

Luculia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae. It was described by Robert Sweet in 1826 and is currently found from the Himalayas to southern China.

The species are shrubs or small trees, generally found on upland scrub and woodland or forest margins. They have large leaves from 20 to 35 cm with prominent veins carried in opposite pairs.

The inflorescence is a terminal umbel or corymb of tubular/open ended white, pink or creamy flowers with 5 spreading petals. It may be from 10 to 20 cm, depending on the species. Luculia gratissima is shown here.

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme

GARDENIA IN OUR GARDEN

Gardenia augusta 'Super Star' in the family Rubiaceae is a wonderful compact gardenia that looks good and smells even better! Super Star is a compact and low growing gardenia with narrow glossy, deep green foliage and masses of single, white, highly perfumed flowers throughout the year. Perfect for a position in sun or shade, and once established is tolerant of a wide range of conditions including heat, frost and drought. A landscapers dream. Gardenia Super Star can be grown Australia wide. It is drought hardy once established and tolerant of both heat and frost.

A plant for full sun to part shade, Gardenias prefer a rich, well drained soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Heavy soils should be improved with organic matter prior to planting. Raised beds are recommended for very heavy clay soils. All Gardenias require good drainage. They are intolerant of very heavy or waterlogged soils. Space 60cm apart for a hedge or border. Planting holes should be approximately twice the size of the pot to be planted and back filled with soil that has been enriched with organic matter. Make sure that the rootball sits no lower than the surrounding soil. Water deeply after transplanting.

Mulching is beneficial to reduce moisture loss from the soil and to protect surface roots from extremes of temperature. Mulch should be around 10cm deep but kept 5cm-10cm away from the stem. Requires no pruning to maintain a neat shape, however if a more formal shape is desired, light pruning after flowering is all that is required. Gardenias should be fed during spring and summer using a good quality complete fertiliser.

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme.