Origin
Fontanesia phillyreoides Labill. ssp. fortunei (Carr.) Yaltirik, commonly known as Fontanesia, is a plant endemic to East Asia. It is native to western China, Japan, and Korea.
Common Names
Fontanesia is known by various common names depending on the region. In China, it is called "Nangzi Qiu". In Japan, it is known as "Shirokashinoki" or "Nikkoashinoki". While in Korea, it is called "Gyeoljul" or "Sukpaji".
Uses
The Fontanesia plant has been used for medicinal purposes in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Its bark is brewed in tea form and used to alleviate symptoms of fever, sore throat, and cough. It has also been used as a natural pesticide and insect repellent. In landscaping, Fontanesia is used as a specimen tree or hedge. Its deep green foliage is an attractive feature and it is drought-resistant, making it an ideal choice for a low-maintenance garden.
General Appearance
The Fontanesia plant is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 4m tall. It has a rounded shape and a dense growth habit. Its dark green leaves are oblong in shape and have a glossy texture. In the spring, the plant produces small, fragrant, white flowers that are arranged in clusters. These are followed by small reddish-brown fruit that matures in late summer or early fall. Its bark is dark brown, smooth and peels in thin layers.
Growth Conditions of Fontanesia phillyreoides Labill. ssp. fortunei (Carr.) Yaltirik
Fontanesia phillyreoides Labill. ssp. fortunei (Carr.) Yaltirik is an evergreen shrub that belongs to the Oleaceae family. It is commonly known as Fortune's Fontanesia and is native to China. The shrub can grow up to eight feet tall with an equal spread and has a dense, rounded growth habit.
Light Requirements
Fortune's Fontanesia requires full sun exposure to partial shade to thrive. It can tolerate shade, but it will lead to less flowering and density. Therefore, it is best to plant the shrub in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Temperature Requirements
Fortune's Fontanesia is hardy to USDA zones 7 to 10, meaning it can withstand minimum average temperatures of 0 to 40°F. The shrub prefers warm temperatures and can tolerate heat but needs protection from frost and winter winds, especially in colder regions.
Soil Requirements
The shrub prefers well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil, but it can tolerate a wide range of soil types. A loamy or sandy soil that is rich in organic matter is ideal for growth. Fortune's Fontanesia can also survive in slightly alkaline or clay soils, but it may show signs of stress and poor growth if the conditions persist for a long time.
Cultivation methods
The Fontanesia phillyreoides Labill. ssp. fortunei (Carr.) Yaltirik plant is generally easy to cultivate and can grow well in various soil types, including loam, sand, and clay. It prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level, and full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate a range of temperatures and climates, including hot, dry conditions and moderate frost.
Watering needs
While the Fontanesia phillyreoides Labill. ssp. fortunei (Carr.) Yaltirik plant is drought-tolerant, it still requires regular watering to maintain healthy growth and prevent wilting. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter months. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.
Fertilization
The Fontanesia phillyreoides Labill. ssp. fortunei (Carr.) Yaltirik plant benefits from annual fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring, just before the growing season begins. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging for the correct application rate, and avoid over-fertilizing, as this can damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and size of the Fontanesia phillyreoides Labill. ssp. fortunei (Carr.) Yaltirik plant and promote healthy growth. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and cut back any overgrown or unruly branches to maintain a neat and compact shape. Avoid pruning more than one-third of the plant's foliage at once, as this can stress the plant and affect its growth.
Propagation of Fontanesia phillyreoides Labill. ssp. fortunei (Carr.) Yaltirik
Fontanesia phillyreoides Labill. ssp. fortunei (Carr.) Yaltirik, commonly known as Chinese Fontanesia, can be propagated using various methods including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and cutting propagation.
Seed propagation
Seeds of Fontanesia phillyreoides Labill. ssp. fortunei (Carr.) Yaltirik can be collected from the plant during the autumn season. The seeds should be sown immediately after collection or they can be stored in a cool and dry place. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix and kept at a temperature of 18-21°C. The seeds take around 2-3 months to germinate and should be watered regularly during this time. Once the seedlings have grown enough, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Vegetative propagation
Fontanesia phillyreoides Labill. ssp. fortunei (Carr.) Yaltirik can also be propagated vegetatively using methods such as layering and root cuttings. In layering, a low-lying branch of the plant is selected, and a part of the branch is bent down and covered with soil. After a few weeks, roots will start to grow from the buried portion of the branch. The new plantlet can then be separated from the parent plant and transplanted to a new location.
Root cuttings can also be taken from mature plants during the dormant season. The cuttings should be around 10-15cm long and should have a diameter of around 0.5-1cm. These cuttings should be placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept at a temperature of 18-21°C. Roots will start to grow from the cuttings after a few months, and the new plantlets can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation is another method that can be used to propagate Fontanesia phillyreoides Labill. ssp. fortunei (Carr.) Yaltirik. The cuttings should be taken from the current year's growth and should be around 10-15cm long. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept at a temperature of 18-21°C and misted regularly. Roots will start to grow from the cutting after a few weeks, and the new plantlet can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease Management for Fontanesia phillyreoides Labill. ssp. fortunei (Carr.) Yaltirik
Fontanesia phillyreoides Labill. ssp. fortunei (Carr.) Yaltirik, commonly known as the Fortune's fontanesia or Chinese fontanesia, is a hardy plant that is resistant to most diseases. However, some diseases can still affect the plant. The following are common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Leaf spot: This is a common fungal disease that affects many plants, including the Fortune's fontanesia. It causes brown or black spots to develop on the leaves, which may eventually turn yellow and fall off. To manage this disease, one can remove the infected leaves and dispose of them. Additionally, one can avoid overhead watering and allow proper air circulation to prevent the disease from spreading.
- Powdery mildew: This is another fungal disease that affects many plants, including the Fortune's fontanesia. It causes a white powdery substance to form on the leaves and stems, leading to stunted growth. To manage this disease, one can remove the infected leaves and dispose of them. Additionally, one can improve air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering.
- Bacterial canker: This is a bacterial disease that affects many plants, including the Fortune's fontanesia. It causes cankers or sunken areas to develop on the branches or trunk, which may eventually lead to plant death. To manage this disease, one can prune infected branches and dispose of them. Additionally, one can improve air circulation and avoid wounding the plant while pruning.
Pest Management for Fontanesia phillyreoides Labill. ssp. fortunei (Carr.) Yaltirik
Fontanesia phillyreoides Labill. ssp. fortunei (Carr.) Yaltirik is also relatively resistant to pests. However, some pests can still affect the plant. The following are common pests that might affect the plant:
- Scale insects: These are common pests that affect many plants, including the Fortune's fontanesia. They often appear as small bumps or scales on plant stems and leaves. To manage these pests, one can wipe them off with a cloth or use a horticultural oil spray.
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap. They often appear on the undersides of leaves and can cause stunted growth or distorted leaves. To manage these pests, one can spray the plant with a strong jet of water or use a horticultural soap or oil spray.
- Caterpillars: These are the larval stage of many moths and butterflies that feed on plant leaves. They can cause extensive damage if left unchecked. To manage these pests, one can remove the caterpillars by hand or use an insecticide labeled for use on the Fortune's fontanesia.
