Overview
Melastoma malabathricum is a plant with a bushy habit in the genus Melastoma, part of the Melastomataceae family, with evergreen foliage. Melastoma malabathricum 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. Grow it in full sun and loam soil. In UK gardens it is half-hardy and may need winter protection in colder areas (RHS H3). It works well for 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 malabathricum 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 malabathricum
- 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 malabathricum?
Melastoma malabathricum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Melastoma malabathricum need?
Melastoma malabathricum grows best in loam soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Melastoma malabathricum hardy in the UK?
Melastoma malabathricum 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 malabathricum?
Basal softwood cuttings in spring, division in early spring.
