Mussaenda philippica 'Dona Aurora' (Mussaenda)

Botanical name: Mussaenda philippica

Common name: Mussaenda

Cultivar: 'Dona Aurora'

Hardiness: 30°F

Plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirds

Mussaenda philippica Dona Aurora is ideal for any partially shaded to full sun location in the garden. The plant will best flower in full sun. It needs regular watering during summer and protection from cold winds. The plant is hardy in USDA Zones 9-11.

Mussaenda philippica Dona Aurora is a great choice for a container garden. If you live in a colder region, you can bring it indoors during the winter. For container cultivation, choose a large pot and use a well-draining potting soil. Place the pot in a partially shaded area, making sure to water regularly and supplement with a balanced liquid fertilizer. With proper care, the plant should bloom in the spring and summer if it has not been exposed to freezing temperatures.

This large shrub will attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden. It can be used as a lovely informal hedge, or as a beautiful background for shrubs and perennials. Its white to off-white flowers, along with its bright and colorful, ovate, leaf-like sepals, will definitely give your garden a unique and eye-catching look.