Gmelina philippensis var. variegata 'Variegata' (Variegated Parrot's Beak)
Top Tropicals Plant Encyclopedia
Botanical name: Gmelina philippensis var. variegata
Common names: Variegated Parrot's Beak, Half n Half Parrots Beak
Family: Lamiaceae
Origin: Malaya, Malaysia, India, Philippine Islands
Hardiness: 30°F
A tropical shrub native to Southeast Asia, known for its distinctive yellow flowers resembling a parrot's beak. The variegated form features striking green and creamy-white foliage.
Grows well in full sun to partial shade, prefers well-draining soil and moderate watering. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings, ensuring the soil remains moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to avoid keeping the soil consistently wet. This plant prefers well-draining soil and benefits from occasional misting, especially in dry conditions.
Suitable for tropical gardens and bonsai.
Evergreen to semi-deciduous in cooler or dry conditions.
Similar plants: Gmelina philippensis var. variegata 'Variegata' (Variegated Parrot's Beak)
- Compact growth and ivy-shaped foliage make it ideal for bonsai. The leaves reduce beautifully with training.
- Fast grower with a naturally tidy canopy.
- Produces eye-catching yellow flowers shaped like parrot beaks, hanging in chain-like racemes.
- Develops character as it ages: spiny branches, textured bark, and an artistic form perfect for styling.
- Tropical and easy-going - loves full sun, moderate water, and warmth.
Note: Gmelina is pronounced "Melina" - the G is silent, but the plant is anything but!
Classic Parrots Beak is a unique round shrub with whimsical pendant branches and leaves and flowers that unmistakably resemble a parrots beak.
The leaves, in their comical way, mimic a parrot doing a joyful handstand. Vibrant and green, they bring smiles effortlessly.
The yellow blossoms are like mini parrot beaks hanging upside-down, creating a perpetual garden carnival all year long.
Check out video about Parrots Beak.
Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Megaflor - Bloom Nutrition Booster
SUNSHINE Megaflor (NPK 2-2-4) - Bloom Booster for every watering. Formulated especially for blooms, to boost flowering, improve flower size and quality, and stimulate pollen development. This is an eco-friendly nutrition booster that can be used for organic gardens. Can be used for daily feeding with every watering. Scientifically-balanced stable formula is organic Amino-acid based and has NO EDTA chelators to eliminate nutrients lockup; it does not affect crop taste. Organic Amino acids greatly enhance stability of all Sunshine boosters and provide excellent absorption of trace elements. Pollinating insects friendly.