A Detailed Guide to Growing Golden-edged Snow-in-June (Serissa japonica 'Aureo-marginata')

Golden-edged Snow-in-June is a small Rubiaceae shrub of the genus Serissa, growing 60-90 cm tall. The flowers are borne singly or in clusters at the tips of the branchlets or in the leaf axils; the plant is hairy, and the leaf margins are yellow or white. The calyx-limb lobes are small, awl-shaped and hairy; the corolla is pale red or white, 6-12 mm long, with spreading lobes and a 3-lobed apex; the stamens protrude beyond the throat of the corolla tube; the style is long and protruding, with 2 straight, slightly separated stigmas. The flowering period is from May to July. It grows along riverbanks and streams or in mixed woods on hills. It is distributed in Japan and Vietnam. It is sometimes cultivated.

Growing Golden-edged Snow-in-June

1. Growing Golden-edged Snow-in-June: Light Control

Golden-edged Snow-in-June fears harsh sun exposure. During the growing season it is best placed in semi-shade and humid spots such as under tree shade, otherwise too-strong light will affect its growth and reduce its ornamental value. Temperature: Golden-edged Snow-in-June is fairly cold-tolerant. If the temperature stays above 5°C in winter, the branches and leaves remain lush and evergreen, but the soil must not dry out too much and should be kept slightly moist.

2. Growing Golden-edged Snow-in-June: Temperature Needs

Golden-edged Snow-in-June is a subtropical plant, so it very much loves a warm growing environment, and it is also very afraid of the cold, with poor cold resistance. In winter it must be grown in a greenhouse, and the indoor temperature needs to stay above 0°C. If you want to keep it lush and evergreen in winter, the indoor temperature must be above 5°C for that to be possible, and the temperature must be suitable.

3. Growing Golden-edged Snow-in-June: Watering and Moisture

Golden-edged Snow-in-June has a certain drought tolerance, but it does not tolerate waterlogging. Watering should follow the principle of checking whether the soil is dry or moist and not watering when it is dry. In the rainy season, guard against water accumulating in the pot; in rainy weather, the pot should be laid on its side. In hot, dry summer weather, spray water on the leaves morning and evening to cool them and increase air humidity, which helps the plant grow and bloom. After late autumn, as temperatures gradually drop and water evaporates less, reduce the frequency of watering.

4. Growing Golden-edged Snow-in-June: Moderate Fertilizing

Golden-edged Snow-in-June does not actually have high fertility requirements, because it is very adaptable and can even be grown in poor soil. So in day-to-day cultivation there is no need to fertilize too frequently; just fertilize 2 to 3 times during the plant's growing season each year, applying a suitable amount of rotted, dilute liquid fertilizer each time. Do not over-fertilize, otherwise the plant will grow leggy and its beauty will be spoiled.

Notes on Growing Golden-edged Snow-in-June

1. Pest and Disease Control for Golden-edged Snow-in-June

In fact, Golden-edged Snow-in-June has relatively few pests and diseases. Generally, the pest or disease problem that arises is damage from scale insects. In such cases, treat the plant with a 1000x to 1500x solution of 40 percent omethoate. Normally, to prevent this, the same pesticide can also be used preventively.

2. Pruning and Shaping Golden-edged Snow-in-June

Golden-edged Snow-in-June grows very fast, so it soon changes shape and loses its form, which is why it must be pruned and shaped frequently, at least twice a year: once in mid-April and once during the June flowering period. The April shaping mainly involves cutting away excess tillering branches and dense branches, while in June unwanted flowers are removed, so that the plant always keeps its beautiful appearance.

3. Propagation Methods for Golden-edged Snow-in-June

Golden-edged Snow-in-June is usually propagated by cuttings. Every year from March to April or from June to July is a good time for cuttings; choose healthy hardwood or softwood branches from the plant and root them as cuttings in fully rotted leaf mold and river sand. They quickly take root and produce leaves, and the survival rate is quite high.