water-jasmine (Wrightia religiosa)
Wrightia religiosa is an evergreen shrub to small tree and a perennial woody plant that may become deciduous in colder conditions.
Overview
Wrightia religiosa is an evergreen shrub to small tree and a perennial woody plant that may become deciduous in colder conditions.
Origin and habitat
Its native range extends from southern East Asia into Southeast Asia, with sources explicitly including southern China, including Guangdong, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Malaysia; sources differ on whether the Philippines is also within its range. It occurs in evergreen forest and is also widely cultivated in Southeast Asian gardens, hedges, and around temples. It is suited to tropical to subtropical climates and can remain evergreen and flower nearly year-round in warm areas.
Characteristics
Sources differ on mature height, giving a range of about 300–600 cm. Sources describe the opposite, lance-shaped leaves differently: they are smooth-surfaced, while some horticultural sources describe them as thinner and slightly hairy. The small white to off-white flowers have drooping inflorescences and a distinct jasmine-like fragrance. In seasonal climates it flowers mainly from spring through autumn and more strongly when rainfall is abundant during the rainy season, while in tropical or warm conditions it can flower nearly year-round; the fruits are slender follicles, often paired, and their seeds have white silky hairs that allow wind dispersal.
Light
It is reported to grow in full sun to partial sun and to require bright light when grown indoors.
Watering
It is reported to need regular watering, allowing the surface soil to dry slightly before watering again; the source also describes it as highly tolerant of waterlogging and needing a continuous water supply.
Temperature and dormancy
A single source indicates a lower temperature of about -1 °C; sources are few. It is reported to fall within the stated USDA hardiness-zone range and to tolerate brief light frost.
Growing medium and mounting
It is reported to prefer well-drained soil.
Propagation
It is reported to be propagated by seed.
Common problems
In colder conditions it is reported to shed leaves and lose its evergreen ornamental appearance, while cultivation requires attention to a steady water supply. It is reported to be sensitive to low temperatures, with mature plants tolerating only brief light frost and young plants requiring protection from cold.
Identification
Wrightia religiosa has slender branches and drooping, fragrant white flowers; it also sprouts and branches readily after pruning and responds well to shaping, making it suitable for bonsai training.
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