Overview
Mussaenda erythrophylla is a plant with a shrub habit in the genus Mussaenda, part of the Rubiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Mussaenda erythrophylla grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1b. Suggested uses include container plant and ornamental shrub.
About
Mussaenda erythrophylla, commonly known as Ashanti blood, red flag bush and tropical dogwood, is an evergreen West African shrub. The bracts of the shrub may have different shades, including red, rose, white, pale pink or some mixtures.
About the genus
Mussaenda is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae. They are native to the African and Asian tropics and subtropics. Several species are cultivated as ornamental plants.
Wikipedia contributors, "Mussaenda", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Mussaenda
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Mussaenda
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1b
Plant details
Mussaenda erythrophylla size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Shrub
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Container plant, ornamental shrub
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Mussaenda erythrophylla
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings, seed
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, mealybugs, spider mites
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew, leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Mussaenda erythrophylla?
Mussaenda erythrophylla prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Mussaenda erythrophylla need?
Mussaenda erythrophylla grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
Is Mussaenda erythrophylla hardy in the UK?
Mussaenda erythrophylla has an RHS hardiness rating of H1b, meaning it needs subtropical warmth of 10–15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Mussaenda erythrophylla?
Semi-ripe cuttings, seed.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.