Harshrigar/Aparijaat in 8″ Pot

A deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub or small tree, 2–10 m (6–33 ft) tall, often with a bushy, spreading crown and flaky grey bark. Leaves are opposite, simple, ovate to elliptic, 6–12 cm × 2.5–7 cm, rough and hairy above, dull green, with entire to slightly toothed margins and prominent veins; young leaves often reddish. Flowers are produced in terminal clusters from late August to December (peak Sep–Nov). Each flower is 2–3 cm across: 5–8 white, obovate petals arranged in a pinwheel around a bright orange corolla tube (the “coral” center). Intensely fragrant (sweet, jasmine-like), they open at dusk, release scent through the night, and drop to the ground by morning—traditionally collected from the ground for worship. Fruit are flat, round capsules ∼2 cm, brown when ripe, splitting into two segments, each containing one seed.

Quick care: full sun to light partial shade (≥5–6 hrs sun for best flowering). Prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soil—sandy loam or loam with compost and sand; pH 6–7.5. Water moderately: keep soil evenly moist during growth, especially the first year; allow top 2–3 cm to dry between waterings (twice weekly is typical). Avoid waterlogging. Warm to hot climate (20–35 °C/68–95 °F); hardy USDA 10–11 (tolerates brief dips to ∼5 °C/41 °F but is frost-sensitive—protect in cool regions). Feed with balanced organic fertilizer or 10-10-10 every 4–6 weeks during growing season; mulch annually. Prune lightly after flowering to shape and remove dead wood; can be kept 2–3 m as a shrub or trained as a small tree. Propagate by seeds (sown fresh, germinate in 1–3 weeks) or semi-ripe cuttings/layering in spring–summer. Generally low-maintenance; watch for aphids, mealybugs, and occasional leaf spots. Sacred/auspicious plant in India; flowers used in puja (only fallen flowers are offered).