Snowrose
Serissa japonica
Pink Snowrose
About this plant
Serissa japonica, also known as Snowrose or Tree of a Thousand Stars, is a small evergreen shrub with tiny white or pink star-shaped flowers. It is popular as a bonsai plant and for ornamental use in gardens. The plant is valued for its delicate flowers and compact growth habit.
Taxonomy
- Genus
- Serissa
- Family
- Rubiaceae
- Higher classification
- Gentianales
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Origin & Distribution
- Native region
- China, Japan, Southeast Asia
- Distribution
- Widely cultivated in gardens and as bonsai worldwide, originally native to Southeast Asia including China and Japan.
Care
- Light preference
- Bright indirect
- Suitable locations
- Indoor, Outdoor, Balcony, Greenhouse
- Preferred window facing
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Watering frequency
- Moderate
- Watering interval
- 3–7 days
- Humidity
- Normal
- Minimum
- 10 °C
- Maximum
- 30 °C
- Optimal
- 15-25 °C
- USDA hardiness zones
- 9-11
- Soil pH
- 6.0-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Soil type
- well-draining potting soil mix
Watering. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid letting the soil stay soggy to prevent root rot. Reduce watering in winter.
Fertilizing. Feed Serissa japonica with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early autumn). Avoid fertilizing in winter when the plant is less active.
Serissa japonica is a small shrub that needs moderate care. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Overwatering can cause root problems, so water moderately and let the soil dry slightly between waterings. It benefits from occasional pruning to maintain shape.
Propagation
- Propagation methods
- Cuttings, Seeds
- Care difficulty
- Medium
Ornamental features
- Flowering
- Yes
- Flowering period
- spring to autumn
Small star-shaped white or pink flowers, dense green foliage, compact shrub form.
Toxicity & Safety
- Toxic to humans
- Non-toxic
- Toxic to pets
- Non-toxic
- Weed potential
- Not considered a weed
Generally considered non-toxic but avoid ingestion. May cause mild skin irritation in sensitive people.
Allergy information
- Allergy risk
- Low
- Allergy triggers
- Sap or latex, Skin contact
- Pollen level
- Low
Serissa japonica may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals due to its sap. People with plant allergies should handle it with care and wear gloves when pruning. It is not known to produce significant airborne pollen that causes allergies.
Common problems
Common problems include leaf drop from sudden changes in environment or overwatering, root rot if soil stays too wet, and occasional pests like aphids or spider mites.
Uses
Ornamental shrub used in gardens, balconies, and popular for bonsai cultivation due to its attractive flowers and manageable size.
Notes
Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth and remove dead branches. Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Sensitive to sudden changes in light or temperature, which can cause leaf drop.