Murraya Paniculata in 8″ Pot

An evergreen shrub or small tree, typically 2–4 m (6–13 ft) tall, occasionally to 7 m (23 ft) when unpruned; commonly kept 1–3 m as a hedge. Dense, multi-stemmed with smooth pale to whitish bark. Leaves are alternate, odd-pinnate, 5–17 cm long, with 3–7 (sometimes 9) glossy, dark-green leaflets. Leaflets are ovate to elliptical or rhombic, 2.5–10 cm × 1.2–5 cm, glabrous, with an obtuse-acuminate tip and cuneate base; crushed leaves smell citrusy. Flowers are produced several times a year in loose terminal or axillary clusters: fragrant, white to cream, bell-shaped, 5-petalled (occasionally 4), petals 13–18 mm long, recurved; scent resembles orange blossom, strongest at night. Fruit are ovoid, glabrous berries 10–14 mm long, ripening from green to glossy orange-red, each containing 1–2 densely hairy seeds. Bark, leaves and fruit contain coumarins/alkaloids; not for consumption.

Quick care: full sun to part shade (≥4–6 hrs; more sun = more blooms; light shade in very hot climates). Prefers rich, moist, well-drained loam (pH 6–7; add compost + 20–30 % sand/perlite for drainage). Water moderately—keep evenly moist but not waterlogged; let top 2–3 cm dry between waterings; reduce in winter. Warm, humid conditions (18–28 °C/65–82 °F); hardy USDA 9–11 (10–12 in some sources); tolerates brief light frost (∼0 °C) but damage below –2 °C. Feed every 4–6 weeks in spring–summer with balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) or citrus-type feed; stop in cool months. Prune after flowering to shape (makes an excellent dense hedge 0.6–3 m); avoid heavy pruning in winter. Propagate by seeds (short viability) or semi-hardwood cuttings in warm season. Few serious pests; watch for scale, mealybugs, whiteflies, and citrus psyllid (vector of citrus greening—monitor in citrus areas).