Tabernaemontana pandacaqui (Banana Bush)

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Tabernaemontana spp.

pinwheel flowers

Apocynaceae

Pantropical - tropical Americas, Africa, Asia, and Pacific and Indian Ocean islands

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Fragrant (moderate)Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 10–12

Overview

Tabernaemontana spp. is a genus of about 100 evergreen shrubs and small trees in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae), native to the tropics worldwide. Plants range from 3 ft (0.9 m) shrubs to small trees 20 ft (6 m) tall, with glossy, deep green leaves in opposite pairs and stems that bleed a milky white latex when cut. The five-petaled flowers are white, often with a twisted, pinwheel-like shape, 1-2 in (2.5-5 cm) across, and many are fragrant in the evening. Single and double forms of T. divaricata, the pinwheel flower or crepe jasmine, are widely grown across warm regions. Paired, horn-shaped fruits follow and split to show seeds in red or orange pulp. The genus needs warmth, moisture, and frost-free conditions, flowering on and off through the year in the tropics. The milky sap and seeds contain alkaloids and are toxic if eaten. Plants are grown outdoors only in frost-free climates and as container or greenhouse plants elsewhere.

Native Range

Tabernaemontana spp. is native to the tropics of the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific and Indian Ocean islands, growing in lowland and montane rainforest, scrub, and forest edges. T. divaricata originates in South and Southeast Asia and is now planted throughout the tropics. The genus is not native to temperate regions.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a flowering shrub, informal hedge, and container plant in warm gardens, and as a fragrant evening plant near patios and entries in frost-free areas. In cooler climates it is kept as a greenhouse or indoor plant. Spaced 3-5 ft (0.9-1.5 m) apart as a shrub or low hedge.

How to Identify

Recognize Tabernaemontana spp. by glossy, deep green opposite leaves, white pinwheel-shaped flowers, and the milky latex that flows from any cut stem or leaf. The paired, curved, horn-like fruit pods that split to reveal seeds in colored pulp are a clear mark. The latex and pinwheel flowers separate it from true jasmines, which have no milky sap.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 20'

Width/Spread3' - 10'

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~24 weeks

Spring Summer Fall

Tabernaemontana spp. flowers on and off through much of the year in frost-free climates, with the heaviest bloom in the warm, wet season. The white flowers open at the branch tips and many release a sweet scent in the evening and at night. Flowering slows in cool weather and stops where temperatures drop near freezing.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Glossy deep green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

2-4 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Tabernaemontana spp. grows in full sun to part shade in warm, frost-free climates on moist, fertile, well-drained soil at a soil pH from about 5.5 to 7.0. Plants need steady moisture and warmth and flower most heavily in bright light with regular feeding. They are hardy only in USDA zones 10-12 and are damaged or killed by frost, so in cooler areas they are grown in containers and kept above about 50F (10C) in winter. Spider mites, mealybugs, and whitefly affect plants grown indoors. The milky sap can stain and irritate skin and is toxic if swallowed.

Pruning

Plants are tip-pruned after flowering to keep a dense, bushy shape and can be cut back hard in spring to renew leggy growth. Pruning releases milky sap, which is wiped from tools and skin. Spent fruit pods are removed to keep the plant tidy.