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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Melastomataceae (Melastomes) |
| Origin: Indonesia (Asia) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Pink |
| Bloomtime: Summer/Fall |
| Height: 3-4 feet |
| Width: 4-5 feet |
| Exposure: Shade |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): High Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 30-32° F |
| May be Poisonous (More Info): Yes |
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Medinilla speciosa (Showy Asian Grapes) – A small woody shrub to 3-4 feet tall with square stems and large (up to 8 in. long and 6 in. wide) leathery leaves that have prominent veins typical of a Melastome (a plant in the Melastomaceae). In the warmer months, from late spring to fall, appear the numerous small pink flowers, borne in panicles on pendant pink stems, that later form rounded fruit that starts pink and matures to blue. This fruit is likely the basis for the common name "Showy Asian Grapes" though we have found no reference indicating the fruit is edible and in fact the genus is included in the "The poisonous plants of the Malay Peninsula.". Plant in a shaded or morning sun location – this plant of the mountain forests of Indonesia does not like to get too dry so it is best to water regularly. Though sensitive to temperatures much below 30 °F, a plant in a large container in our parking lot has grown well and without damage for the last 4 years and garners much attention so it can grow in gardens in frost free coastal California locations, but can also be used in the conservatory or as a house plant. Our original seed is from Ginny Hunt of Seedhunt. The name Medinilla honours J. de Medinilla, of Pineda, Governor of the Mariana Islands in the 1820's. We discontinued production of this plant in 2011, thinking it was a bit too tropical for us but it has proven durable through the last cold winters and many people comment about the beautiful plant in front of our office so we have put it back into production for 2014.
The information about Medinilla speciosa displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |
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