Overview
Melastoma sanguineum is a plant with a bushy habit in the genus Melastoma, part of the Melastomataceae family, with evergreen foliage. Melastoma sanguineum 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 sanguineum is called red melastome or fox-tongued melastoma in English. They are erect shrubs or small slender trees with medium-sized violet-pink colored flowers with 6 petals that have made them attractive for cultivation. The leaves have the 5 distinctive longitudinal veins (nerves) typical of plants in the family Melastomataceae. In the wild it grows across Oceania, Borneo, Cambodia, China Southeast, Hainan and other regions. 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. Plant in well-drained soil in a suitable position. Water during establishment.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Melastoma sanguineum
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 sanguineum 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 sanguineum
- 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 sanguineum?
Melastoma sanguineum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Melastoma sanguineum need?
Melastoma sanguineum grows best in loam soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Melastoma sanguineum hardy in the UK?
Melastoma sanguineum 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 sanguineum?
Basal softwood cuttings in spring, division in early spring.
