Showy Medinilla (Medinilla Magnifica)

Showy Medinilla

Features and Characteristics

Medinilla magnifica is native to the Philippine Islands. It is an epiphytic tropical evergreen shrub that grows to 8’ tall in its native habitat where it may be seen growing in part shade locations out of soil pockets on rain forest trees or in the ground in clearings. It grows much shorter (to 3’ tall) in containers in the St. Louis area. Small pink to coral red flowers appear in drooping panicles (to 18” long) hooded by large, showy, leaf-like, light pink bracts. Large, ovate to oblong, prominently veined, leathery green leaves to 8-12” long. Succulent, 4-angled stems.

Genus name honors Jose de Medinilla of Pineda, Governor of the Marianna Islands, c. 1820.

Specific epithet means great, splendid or magnificent.

Care and Maintenance

Winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-1 In St. Louis, grow in containers in bright shade locations. Morning sun is acceptable, but some protection from the hot early afternoon sun is needed. Thrives in high humidity, and generally makes a better greenhouse plant than houseplant. Use a well-drained potting mix. Keep container soils consistently moist but not wet. Overwinter plants in warm sun rooms as houseplants or in greenhouses. Reduce watering in winter.

Showy Medinilla (Medinilla Magnifica) Requirements

Hardiness zone	10 - 11
Sun light	Part Shade
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Medium

Common Problems

Watch for spider mites, mealybugs, and scale on indoor plants.

Uses

Grown as hedges or border plants in the tropics. In St. Louis, grow in containers/pots in a greenhouse, conservatory or as a houseplant.

Showy Medinilla (Medinilla Magnifica) Details

Common name	Showy Medinilla
Botanical name	Medinilla Magnifica
Plant type	Broadleaf Evergreen
Family	Melastomataceae
Hardiness zone	10 - 11
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Flower color	Pink To Coral Red
Flowering period	Seasonal Bloomer
Height	2 - 4 Ft.
Width	1 - 3 Ft.