Serissa japonica ‘Variegata'

Variegated Serissa. This Serissa selection, 'Variegata', has single white star-shaped flowers which line the stems of this cultivar in May and June. It is easily grown in morning sun and afternoon shade or filtered sun. This species is used extensively in Japan as a bonsai subject because it is very adaptable to pruning and training. The species' former designation "foetida" alludes to its "foetid" odor when its stems or leaves are crushed, but the species name has since been changed to "japonica". But its odor when crushed is probably why we don't have problems with deer with this species, but rabbits may nibble on it from time to time. This selection will probably mature at around 3-5' and when it gets leggy, one should do some regenerative pruning each year to encourage new growth. I took the first picture in a garden center in Japan where it is so popular as a container plant.