Fragrant Luculia Plant Care

Fragrant Luculia (Luculia gratissima) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Luculia genus. Fragrant Luculia is also known as Pink Jasmine.

Fragrant Luculia displays a compact, rounded shrub growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Fragrant Luculia produces fragrant clusters of white or pink tubular flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Fragrant Luculia every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Fragrant Luculia thrives in filtered sunlight to partial shade. Avoid placing Fragrant Luculia in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Luculia gratissima tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Fragrant Luculia prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, acidic soil with added organic matter like peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Fragrant Luculia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Fragrant Luculia every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with filtered sunlight to partial shade and well-draining, acidic soil with added organic matter like peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Fragrant Luculia is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Fragrant Luculia can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Fragrant Luculia while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Fragrant Luculia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Fragrant Luculia can be propagated through softwood cuttings, layering.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Fragrant Luculia is susceptible to aphids, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Fragrant Luculia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Fragrant Luculia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.