Clusia lanceolata (Porcelain Flower)

Clusia lanceolata (Porcelain Flower) white flower with red center, close up of delicate petals.
Clusia lanceolata (Porcelain Flower) white flower with a distinct reddish interior and rounded petal tips.
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Clusia lanceolata

Botanical name: Clusia lanceolata

Common names: Porcelain Flower, Copey, Balsam Apple, Pitch Apple, Cerra cipapao apple

Family: Clusiaceae / Guttiferae

Origin: America

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 9-11

Small tree 10-20 ftPlant form: Small tree
Plant mature sizeMature height: 10-20 ft
Full sunSemi-shadeSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade
Subtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short timeCold tolerance: Tolerates light freezing to about 30°F for short periods (mature plants). Young plants must be protected.
Watering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryWatering: Moderate
White, off-white flowersRed, crimson, vinous flowersFlower color: White and off-white; red, crimson, vinous
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Fragrant plantFragrance: Fragrant; perfume plant
Plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirdsWildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
Invasive plantInvasive: Can spread quickly, needs control

Clusia lanceolata, or Porcelain Flower, is a delightful small tree native to America. Growing up to 10-20 feet tall, this charming deciduous tree features fragrant white to off-white flowers with a center of dark red and have a rich, glossy foliage. When these pretty blooms arrive, they draw different species of butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators to the area.

Clusia lanceolata require moderate water and can be placed in full sun to semi-shade positions. While it is tolerant of both high and low temperatures, this plant has some impressive hardiness and can tolerate a temperature of 30°F or below for quite some time. For those living in colder climates, they can still enjoy this low-maintenance and beautiful plant in a container.

Not only is Clusia lanceolata tolerant of different temperatures, it is also quite salt-tolerant and can be placed in seaside gardens or other similar locations. USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12 are ideal for this compact plant as its needs are met, but can still give off a decently sized shrub or small tree.

Additionally, to keep your Porcelain Flower in a healthier state, planting it in well-draining and nutrient rich soils can help the plant. When the summer heat arrives, a bit of extra water can go a long way for this ultra-hardy plant. Pruning is usually not necessary but can keep this species from becoming too unruly.

Overall, Clusia lanceolata is a hardy plant that can often withstand colder weathers, seaside, and require low maintenance.

Similar plants: Clusia lanceolata (Porcelain Flower)


Image gallery: 14 images
Clusia lanceolata with white flower petals and a dark red center on plant
Clusia lanceolata with white flower petals and a dark red center on branches
Clusia lanceolata (Porcelain Flower) pale green fruit with maroon vertical stripes close up
Clusia lanceolata (Porcelain Flower) fruit with pale green skin and dark vertical maroon lines
Clusia lanceolata (Porcelain Flower) plant with dense green leaves and small yellow fruit clusters
Clusia lanceolata (Porcelain Flower) showing dense green foliage covered in small yellow spherical fruit clusters
Clusia lanceolata red fruit and light pink bud close up on green leaves
Clusia lanceolata red fruit and light pink bud among thick green leaves
Clusia lanceolata (Porcelain Flower) with white and red flower petals on green leafy branch
Clusia lanceolata (Porcelain Flower) white flowers with red centers among small, thick, smooth green leaves.
Clusia lanceolata (Porcelain Flower) red fruit hanging from a branch in close up.
Clusia lanceolata (Porcelain Flower) fruit hangs from a thin green stem above glossy leaves.
Clusia lanceolata (Porcelain Flower) with red fruit and thick green leaves in close up.
Clusia lanceolata (Porcelain Flower) with a singular round red fruit nestled among smooth green leaves.
Clusia lanceolata (Porcelain Flower) white flower with red center close up
Clusia lanceolata (Porcelain Flower) flower with white petals and a deep red center.
Clusia lanceolata (Porcelain Flower) white pink flower close up with thick deep green leaves
Clusia lanceolata (Porcelain Flower) showing round white petals with a vivid pink center and green.
Clusia lanceolata (Porcelain Flower) orange and brown star shaped fruit, close up.
Clusia lanceolata (Porcelain Flower) fruit with orange fleshy segments and dark brown outer edges.
Clusia lanceolata white and red flower with green center in a close up
Clusia lanceolata flower showing white petals with red base and green center.
Clusia lanceolata (Porcelain Flower) cream and maroon close up flower on dark green leaves
Clusia lanceolata (Porcelain Flower) cream petals with deep maroon center and yellow inner structure.
Clusia lanceolata (Porcelain Flower) green leaves and small yellow fruit close up for plant enthusiasts
Clusia lanceolata (Porcelain Flower) showing dense dark green foliage alongside small rounded yellow fruit hanging down.
Clusia lanceolata (Porcelain Flower) pale yellow fruit close up with red lines and dark tips.
Clusia lanceolata (Porcelain Flower) fruit with pale yellow skin, vertical red lines, and dark small tips.


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/clusia_lanceolata.htm
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