Kopsia fruticosa
Family: Apocynaceae
Shrub Vinca, Pink Kopsia, Kopsia Merah, Pink Gardenia
Origin: Burma
This is a tall bush with simple leaves. Growth is not rapid but does well when given good treatment. Marcots and cuttings are the normal ways of propagated. An ornamental commonly grown in groups in gardens. Article about this plant by Mark Shedden (Bloomin Bert) from the Phuket Gazette in Thailand: “…The kopsia fruticosa fits the bill perfectly. It’s a shame there aren’t a few more of them about because this plant sports a gorgeous flower. It has pale green leathery leaves, and the delicate five-petaled flowers are white or a very pale pink, with a vivid crimson center. The first one I saw was in a wholesale garden center, where there was an enormous example in a pot. I pleaded with the man there to sell me the whole thing, but he couldn’t be parted from it for any amount. Cuttings are notoriously reluctant to take root and the best offer he could make was to sell me a recent attempt in a small pot. He said that he’d taken and planted 20 cuttings in total. The other 19 had failed miserably, so he only charged me a few baht and even felt guilty doing that. That was about three years ago, and it’s still going strong. I’m surprised how little it’s grown in that time, probably about 12″ to 16 ” in total. In Britain, I would consider that growth rate somewhat spectacular. In tropical areas such as Phuket, where 4″ a year is rather pathetic. Eventually it should reach around a couple of ft, but that will take a while. The best way to deal with the kopsia fruticosa is just to let it grow. Unlike many other plants, frequent pruning stunts its growth. Trim it too often and it looks like it’s smoking 60 cigarettes per day. Watering rules for this plant aren’t standard, either. Go for it, water it incessantly if you want. It actually quite likes waterlogged conditions, and will thrive in a soggy bed, rather than give up in disgust like most other plants. Make sure it gets plenty of sun, too. It won’t even bloom with full vigor unless it sees the sun for at least half a day. As unusual as this plant is, it’s a lot more common than its cousin, the Singaporean kopsia, which has been listed as an endangered species. Here in Phuket, the local variety of kopsia is alright, you just have to look for it. Don’t expect it to take over your garden overnight, though… phuket gazette
