Care of the shrub Ochna serrulata or Mickey mouse plant |
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The genus Ochna, family Ochnaceae, comprises 80 species of shrubs or small trees native to Africa and Asia. Some species are: Ochna serrulata, Ochna pulchra, Ochna inermis, Ochna pretoriensis, Ochna glauca, Ochna arborea, Ochna holstii. Common names: Mickey mouse plant, Small-leaved plane. This species is native to South Africa. They are evergreen shrubs that reach 5 meters (16.4 feet) in height. The glossy leaves are deep green, elliptical and have serrated edges. The showy and perfumed flowers are yellow with red sepals. They bloom in spring. They produce lustrous black berry-shaped fruits that are also ornamental. They are used to form bushy groups, as isolated specimens, to create hedges and in pots for terraces and balconies. They are ideal for gardens by the sea. The Ochna serrulata needs full sun exposure. They resist occasional frosts. They prefer well-drained soil that contains organic matter but can grow in poor, dry soils. The transplant is done in spring. Water regularly so that the substrate is always slightly damp but without flooding. They resist short periods of drought (several days). Fertilize in fall with compost or manure and mineral fertilizer every 15 days during spring and summer. Prune lightly when it has produced fruit (in autumn). They are quite resistant plants to pests and diseases. They can lose the aerial part in the cold but they usually sprout again in spring. They are propagated by cuttings in fall or late summer; the seeds only have 3-4 days of germination power. |
Images of the shrub Ochna serrulata or Mickey mouse plant |
 Ochna serrulata  Ochna serrulata  Ochna serrulata  Ochna serrulata  Ochna serrulata  Ochna serrulata |