Overview
Luculia gratissima 'Early Dawn' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Luculia, part of the Rubiaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. Luculia gratissima 'Early Dawn' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1c. Suggested uses include conservatory plant, greenhouse plant and wall shrub in mildest of temperate gardens.
About
Luculia gratissima 'Early Dawn' is a semi-evergreen, bushy shrub belonging to the genus Luculia, which includes both deciduous and evergreen shrubs or small trees known for their large, distinctly veined foliage and clusters of small, fragrant tubular flowers with five spreading lobes. This cultivar thrives in full sun with a west or south-facing aspect and prefers sheltered locations with fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil of any pH. Suitable for conservatories, greenhouses, or as a wall shrub in the mildest temperate gardens, it offers interest during spring and summer. It requires protection in the UK, classified as H1c hardiness.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Luculia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1c
Plant details
Luculia gratissima 'Early Dawn' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Conservatory plant, greenhouse plant, wall shrub in mildest of temperate gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Luculia gratissima 'Early Dawn'
- Propagation
- Seed, semi hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to root rots
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Luculia gratissima 'Early Dawn'?
Luculia gratissima 'Early Dawn' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Luculia gratissima 'Early Dawn' need?
Luculia gratissima 'Early Dawn' grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Luculia gratissima 'Early Dawn' hardy in the UK?
Luculia gratissima 'Early Dawn' has an RHS hardiness rating of H1c, meaning it needs a warm, frost-free position of 5–10°C and is best grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Luculia gratissima 'Early Dawn'?
Seed, semi hardwood cuttings.
