Description

The Japanese Snow Rose, Serissa genus, has only one species (Serissa foetida syn. Serissa japonica), but comes from a huge family of between 4500 and 5000 species.

It is an evergreen shrub to 18 inches high with oval, deep green, rather thick leaves that have an unpleasant smell if bruised. It is grown for its neat habit, good coverage of branches and long flowering time.

It is also valued for its rough, grey trunk which tends to get lighter in color with age. The Serissa flowers practically all year round, but particularly from spring to fall (autumn). The flowers are funnel-shaped and mostly white in color.

Japanese Pink Snow Rose has pale pink flowers and leaves edged off-white.

The Serissa is an indoor plant. It needs as much light as possible and should be kept in a well-aired area where there is plenty of light and a temperature between 55-65 degrees F. It should be kept away from drafts and kept outside during the summer in partial shade. Prune after flowering, when in growth and when the new shoots have developed to several nodes. Leave at least 4-5 leaves.