Serissa foetida (Tree of a Thousand Stars)

Serissa foetida is a small shrub that grows 2-5 ft tall and is hardy in USDA Zone 9-11. It is suitable for growing in pots in cold climates, as long as it is overwintered indoors and provided with adequate light, warmth, and ventilation. It should be placed in full sun or semi-shade and requires regular watering during hot and dry weather. The soil should be kept slightly moist, and liquid fertilizer should be applied every two weeks when the plants are actively growing.

This species is drought tolerant and has showy white or off-white flowers that bloom throughout the year. It requires very little maintenance and is often used for bonsai. To maintain its shape and encourage further flower production, prune as needed and remove fading flowers.

The plant is valued for its neat habit, good coverage of branches, and long flowering time. The leaves are oval, deep green, and rather thick, and have an unpleasant smell if bruised. The trunk is rough and grey, and tends to get lighter in color with age. The Serissa foetida flowers practically all year round, but particularly from spring to fall. There are also cultivars with double flowers or variegated leaves, such as Pink Snow Rose with pale pink flowers and off-white edged leaves.

Outer-Variegated Red Stem Snow Rose - one plant, two beautiful looks! This unusual Serissa is a special red-stem, outer-variegated selection with seasonal foliage. During warm summer growth, the tiny glossy leaves may appear mostly green, but as cooler winter weather arrives, the magic begins: creamy-white margins develop around the leaves, creating a bright, finely outlined variegated look.

Also known as Snow Rose or Tree of a Thousand Stars, Serissa is a naturally compact, finely branched shrub famous in the bonsai world. Its tiny leaves, short internodes and woody branching make it easy to shape into a miniature tree, but no bonsai training is required. Simply prune occasionally and it makes a beautiful dense container or patio specimen. Small star-shaped white flowers appear generously on mature plants, sometimes covering the branches like little stars.

The distinctive reddish stems set this selection apart from other outer-variegated Serissas and become especially attractive against the cream-edged winter foliage.

Grow in bright light to partial sun, with morning sun and some afternoon protection ideal in very hot climates. Keep the soil evenly moist but well drained; avoid both prolonged soggy conditions and letting the root ball become completely dry. Serissa responds very well to pruning and can easily be maintained around 2 3 ft or considerably smaller.

A wonderful choice for bonsai, patio containers, small gardens and collectors of unusual plants. And don't be disappointed if your plant arrives green during summer. That's part of what makes this selection so interesting: winter is when it reveals its variegated personality.