Sadabahar in 6″ Pot

An evergreen subshrub or herbaceous perennial (often grown as an annual in cooler climates). Grows 30–60 cm (1–2 ft) tall (up to 1 m/3 ft), spreading 30–60 cm, with a woody base and slender, erect to spreading stems that exude milky latex when cut. Leaves are opposite, oval-oblong, 2.5–9 cm long and 1–3.5 cm wide, glossy green, hairless, with a pale midrib and short petiole (1–1.8 cm). Flowers appear singly or in pairs from leaf axils year-round in warm climates (peak summer–monsoon). Each flower has a 2.5–3 cm basal tube and a flat corolla 2–5 cm across with five overlapping petal-like lobes; colors range from white to deep pink, magenta, red, lavender, with a contrasting darker or yellow eye. Fruit is a pair of slender follicles (2–4 cm long) that split to release small black seeds. Rich in alkaloids (vinblastine, vincristine, etc.) used in modern medicine; considered toxic if ingested in quantity.

Quick care: full sun to light partial shade (≥4–6 hrs sun for best flowering; tolerates afternoon shade in hot climates). Prefers well-drained, sandy-loam or loam; tolerates poor, rocky soils and drought, but not waterlogging (root rot). pH 6–7 ideal. Water moderately: keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then allow top 2–3 cm to dry between waterings—twice a week in summer, once a week in cool weather; drought-tolerant but wilts if too dry. Warmth-loving (18–29 °C/65–85 °F); frost-tender—dies back below ∼10 °C (50 °F); hardy USDA 9–11. Feed lightly: compost or slow-release at planting, then monthly balanced fertilizer at half strength (excess nitrogen → leafy growth, fewer blooms). Pinch tips to promote branching; deadhead spent flowers to encourage repeat. Propagate by seed (germinates in 10–21 days at 22–27 °C) or stem cuttings. Watch for aphids, mealybugs, spider mites; fungal spots/root rot in soggy soil. Excellent for beds, borders, edging, containers, hanging baskets, and as a low groundcover.