Shrub Vinca

Shrub Vinca (Kopsia fruticosa), sometimes sold as pink gardenia, is a neat evergreen tropical shrub that grows 60cm to 1m tall and 45 to 60cm wide. Dainty five-petalled flowers open soft pink and fade to white with a red eye, so one plant shows several shades at once against big glossy green leaves. It suits any frost-free garden.

Why you'll love it

• Flowers in several shades. Buds are soft pink, and the open flowers lighten to pale or white with a red centre, which gives a multi-tone effect.
• Glossy foliage. The large, shiny leaves look fresh all year and make a rich backdrop for the flowers.
• Neat and compact. It stays small and bushy, so it suits tight beds and pots where bigger tropicals would not fit.
• Gently scented. The flowers carry a soft fragrance, noticeable close up by a path or seat.
• Several jobs. It works as a feature shrub, a low flowering hedge, a mixed bed filler or a potted specimen.

Where it works best

Flowering hedges. Plant 50cm apart for a low hedge of about 1m. The compact habit and glossy leaves need only light trimming after flowering.

Mixed garden beds. Use it in the middle of a tropical or cottage planting, where its pink and white flowers soften larger foliage plants.

Pots and containers. A large container on a sheltered patio keeps the scent close and lets you move it out of wind. Keep it where pets and children cannot chew it.

Growing Shrub Vinca in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade suits it. It is a frost-free plant, so tropical and subtropical gardens are ideal, and it must be sheltered from both wind and frost. In cooler districts, grow it in a pot and bring it under cover for winter.

Soil. Plant in fertile, free draining soil, and mulch well to hold moisture and protect the roots.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well, especially while it establishes. Apply a controlled release fertiliser after flowering for the best results.

Pruning. Prune after flowering to promote compact growth and good flowering. Light shaping is usually all it needs.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Shrub Vinca as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once planted. It arrives small and builds its bushy shape over a season or two in warm weather. The tube comes from our grower, and supply is not constant. When the tube shows as sold out the grower has none, and the notify button on the page will email you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Plants for subtropical climates
• More fragrant plants
• Best hedging plants
• Designing a lush tropical garden

Common questions

Is it related to frangipani?

Yes. Kopsia belongs to the same plant family as frangipani and carissa, and the five-petalled flowers show the family likeness.

Is it safe for pets?

No. Plants in this family are best treated as unsafe if eaten, so keep it where dogs, cats and children cannot chew the leaves or flowers.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes. It is neat enough for a large container, and a pot makes it easy to shelter from wind and frost. Use a good potting mix and feed after flowering.