Mussaenda erythrophylla

Also Known As

Mussaenda coccinea
Ashanti Blood Plant
Prophet's Tears
Red Flag Bush
Red Velvet Mussaenda
Tropical Dogwood
Virgin Tree

Plant type

shrub, vine

size

H: 20'-25'
W: 5'-6'

planting zones

11-12

More Options

Mussaenda erythrophylla plant details

Mussaenda erythrophylla is a broadleaf semi-evergreen shrub or vine with green foliage. In spring and winter red, white and yellow flowers emerge. Attracts birds. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular water. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Mussaenda erythrophylla

Plant type: shrub or vine
Plant family: rubiaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 5 FT - 6 FT - wide, 20 FT - 25 FT - tall
Flowers: red, white and yellow blooms in spring and winter
Uses: houseplant, showy, trellis, tropical-looking, winter interest, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Mussaenda erythrophylla

USDA Zones: 11 - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A very unusual plant with ruggled red velvet like bracts 7" across wtih creamy yellow star like blooms in the center. This tropical zone 11 shrub or rambling climber can be grown in full sun to part shade. Min temp 55 degrees. Blooming winter to early spring. Also known as "virgin tree, or tropical dogwood).

By: Accents for Home and Garden

Cream to yellow colored star-like blooms stand boldly against the ruffled red velvet-like bracts. The combination of bracts and flowers can easily reach 7 inches across. Mussaendas can be very rewarding tropicals that flower throughout the warmest months of the year. It can be grown as a scrambling climber but is more commonly pruned to maintain a shrub form. Provide the Red Velvet Mussaenda or Ashanti Blood with an a moderately rich, acidic to neutral, moist but sharp draining, preferably sandy potting soil. It will grow well in full or partial sun but it has the best foliage color in southern regions where it gets some afternoon or midday shade. This is a member of the Rubiaceae or Gardenia/Madder/Coffee family and will enjoy conditions similar to Gardenia and Ixora. The Red Velvet Mussaenda's fame has given it many names that include the following: Ashanti Blood Plant, Red Flag Bush, Tropical Dogwood, Prophet's Tears, Virgin Tree.