Medinilla magnifica

Medinilla magnifica handout Merrifield Garden Center Medinilla magnifica. I’ve seen this striking, unusual looking plant twice in the past month while on my lecture circuit. Once at Merrifield Garden Center in Fairfax, Virginia and then at Frederik Meijer Garden and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids. I have a feeling the next time it pops up it will be in my sunroom.

Medinilla magnifica is native to the Philippines where it is usually found growing on trees in tropical forests. Common names include Philippine Orchid, Pink Lantern and Rose Grape. It likes a sunny spot and can flower for three months or more. It can be moved outside once warmer weather arrives (temps above 57 degrees). Site it in an area out of intense direct sun between 10:00 and 3:00 p.m.

Rob Herwig, the author of How to Grow Healthy Houseplants, called the Medinilla magnifica, “the Rolls Royce of the houseplants”. And in January 2012, the Medinilla won “Favorite New Flowering Plant” and “Cool Products of TPIE” at The Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition (TPIE) Show.

Attached is a handout about caring for Medinilla, compliments of Merrifield Garden Center, a premier nursery in Virginia.