Hybrid Madhumalti in 8″ Pot

A vigorous, fast-growing woody vine or scrambling shrub, 3–8 m (10–26 ft) long (can reach 20 m in the tropics); can be kept as a 1–3 m bush with pruning. Stems are twining, slightly spiny when young. Leaves are opposite, glossy dark green, elliptic to ovate, 6–15 cm × 3–7 cm, with entire margins and short acuminate tips; new growth often reddish. Flowers are borne in dense, pendulous clusters from late spring to early winter (year-round in warm climates). Tubular, 5–7 cm long, opening white in the evening, turning pink by morning and deep red by the next day—so one cluster shows white, pink and red together. The “hybrid double” type has fuller, ruffled, double-layered petals (10+ petals) for a richer look. Strong, sweet jasmine-like scent, especially at night. Fruit are small, dry, 5-angled capsules; not ornamentally significant.

Quick care: full sun (≥5–6 hrs) for best flowering; tolerates light shade (fewer blooms). Warm, humid climate 20–35 °C (68–95 °F); USDA 10–11 outdoors; protect below ∼5 °C (41 °F)—defoliates with light frost but resprouts. Soil: well-drained, fertile loam or sandy loam with compost; pH 6–7.5; tolerates clay if drainage is good. Water moderately—keep soil evenly moist in growing season; allow top 3–5 cm to dry between waterings; reduce in winter. Avoid waterlogging. Feed every 4–6 weeks in spring–summer with balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) or compost; avoid excess nitrogen (more leaves, fewer flowers). Provide sturdy support (trellis, pergola, fence); prune after flowering to control size and promote branching (flowers on new growth). Propagate by semi-ripe stem cuttings or layering in warm weather; seeds possible but variable. Generally pest-free; watch for aphids, mealybugs, sooty mold. Excellent for pergolas, fences, balconies, and screening; attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds.