Characteristics
Evergreen tropical bush. Valued for its brilliant red-copper coloured leaves during flowering and its bark which flakes off.
Location
In a Mediterranean climate outside during the summer. The rest of the year protect against cold. In colder zones the whole year in a greenhouse.
Watering
Abundant in summer and moderate in winter.
Fertilization
From spring to autumn.
Re-potting
Every 2 or 3 years, in spring.
Substrate
100% Akadama, or a mixture of Akadama with 20% of volcanic earth.
Pruning and pinching
Pruning
At the beginning of spring.
Pinching
Pinch when the branch has developed about 6 to 8 pairs of leaves, cutting the leaves at the top and leaving only two pairs.
Wiring
In spring and summer.
Curiosities
In its zone of origin it produces an edible fruit whose taste is very similar to that of cherries. It is related to myrtle because of the odour of its leaves and its stem.