Serissa foetida

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Common Names

Serissa are known by many common names. Here are a few:

• Snow Rose
• Chinese Snow Rose
• White Rose
• Tree of a Thousand Stars
• Serissa serissoides

Many Varieties

There are a number of varieties of Serissa. Each blooms differently to a greater or lesser extent, but all bloom somewhat. Listed below are the ones we carry.

• Chinese Serissa
  Light green leaf - small, single, white bloom
• North Chinese Serissa
  Dark green leaf - larger double white bloom (resembles tiny rose)
• Kyoto Serissa
  Tiny dark green leaf, compact growth - single, tiny, white bloom
• Pink Mountain Serissa
  Small variegated leaf - small pink bloom
• Super Variegated Serissa
  Variegated leaf - small white bloom

Background

Serissa are tropical/subtropical bushes native to Southern China. In their native land, they are used for hedges and are prized for the masses of tiny flowers they produce. The species name foetida is Latin for "stinking." The plant got its name because the roots emit a curious odor when cut or disturbed.

Siting

Place it outside in a sunny spot with afternoon shade in Spring when nightly temps are above 50o f and the danger of frost has passed. Leave out until Fall, as long as nightly temps are above 39o f. If you can place it in a bright, cool (40-50o) spot until Spring, it will be fine. Or you can place it in a bright, warm (65-90o) location and it will continue growing. Always avoid cold drafts indoors.

Repotting

Repot every 2-3 years using a free-draining soil mix. Serissas do not like having waterlogged roots. It will cause root rot and tree death.

Fertilizing

Fertilize with 1/2 strength houseplant fertilizer during active growth every 7-10 days, or use a time-release fertilizer. During dormancy or slow growth, fertilize every 3-4 weeks.

Training

Serissa are good candidates for all bonsai styles except formal upright. The clip-and-grow method is very successful with this species. Wiring can be done at any time to smaller branches. Larger branches are stiff and brittle. Use care. The bark is easily marked, so be careful when applying wire and bending branches.