Overview
Melastoma candidum is a plant with a bushy habit in the genus Melastoma, part of the Melastomataceae family, with evergreen foliage. Melastoma candidum grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include architectural, patio and container plants, wall side borders and flower borders and beds.
About
Melastoma malabathricum, known also as Malabar melastome, Indian rhododendron, Singapore rhododendron, planter's rhododendron and senduduk, is a flowering plant in the family Melastomataceae native to Seychelles, tropical and subtropical Asia to Australia and western Pacific islands. Despite its common names, it does not have any connection to actual rhododendrons, and belongs to the Rosids clade as opposed to the Asterids clade. This plant is usually found at elevations between 100 m and 2,800 m in grassland and sparse forest habitats. It has been used as a medicinal plant in certain parts of the world, but has been declared a noxious weed in the United States. In the garden it prefers full sun and loam soil. In UK gardens it is half-hardy and may need winter protection in colder areas (RHS H3). Suggested uses include architectural, patio and container plants, wall side borders and flower borders and beds. It tolerates acid soils, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Melastoma malabathricum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Melastoma
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Melastoma candidum size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Patio and container plants, Wall side borders, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Melastoma candidum
- Propagation
- Basal softwood cuttings in spring, division in early spring
- Pest resistance
- Red spider mite, glasshouse whitefly
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Melastoma candidum?
Melastoma candidum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Melastoma candidum need?
Melastoma candidum grows best in loam soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Melastoma candidum hardy in the UK?
Melastoma candidum has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Melastoma candidum?
Basal softwood cuttings in spring, division in early spring.
