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Home > Plant profiles > Luculia Fragrant Cloud
Luculia Fragrant Cloud
 Botanical name: Luculia gratissima.
Common names: Luculia
History:
Origin: S.E.Asia
Name: The genus name Luculia, is the Latinised form of the Nepalese name, Luculi Swa. The species name, gratissima, is Latin for ‘most pleasing’
Comments: Luculias are evergreen shrubs with rounded, often irregular growth habits. In the wild they are known to grow up to 6m (20’), but in most gardens they grow usually around 3-4m (9-12’). In winter scented pink flowers appear on the ends of the stems, in large clusters up to 20cm (8”) across. They thrive in mountain zones where frosts aren’t too severe or cooler coastal areas of Australia. To achieve the best result, grow in a full sun position with protection from hot afternoon summer sun, in well drained organically composted soil. Luculias can be propagated from seed or hardwood cuttings in summer.
Tips: Protect from frosts. Excellent for shrub borders. The perfume of the flowers is exquisite and is excellent near open doorways and windows. They are best left undisturbed, as they don’t like their roots disturbed. A layer of mulch is also recommended, as they prefer a cool root system. The downside to these are that the rain can ruin the flowers, they are also susceptible to root rot, which can be treated with Yates Anti Rot (available from most nurseries). Shoots that have been damaged by frost can be cut back once the threat of frost has passed. Removing spent flowers is also recommended. Luculias benefit from the occasional light application of lime, except in areas such as Adelaide or Perth, which have alkaline soils.
Contacts:
www.burkesbackyard.com.au
Family: Rubiaceae.
Plant type: Evergreen perennial.
Size (HxW): 3m x 1.5m.
Depth and spacing: Plant to the same depth as in the pot and at 1.5m intervals.
Watering: During establishment and the active growing period water freely, reducing levels once established.
Frost tolerance: Frost tender (avoid planting in frost prone positions).
Flowering time: Autumn to winter. The flowers are highly fragrant.
Soil: A well-drained fertile soil best suits these plants.
Climate: Cool to sub-tropical.
Aspect: Full sun provides the best results.
Fertilizer: An annual application of a general-purpose fertilizer before the growing season.
Pruning: Prune to shape.
Comments: This highly fragrant plant should be positioned near doorways or windows so the delicious scent can travel through the house.
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