Radermachera ‘Summerscent’ (correctly named Radermachera sp. ‘Kunming’) is as yet still an un-named species from Yunnan province in South China. This cultivar was identified in South East Asia, reportedly in Thailand. It has become popular in tropical gardens in South East Asia and has also been introduced to Australia, promoted in the nursery trade as “Summerscent”.
Family: Bignoniaceae
Other common names: Dwarf Tree Jasmine, Peep Thong
This plant has a dense, shrubby habit, typically attaining 2-3m height and spread. The glossy deep green foliage is pinnate in structure, similar to the Radermachera ‘China Doll’.
The large heads of flowers, which are light pink with a gold throat, fade to off-white as they age. They are pleasantly fragrant (reputedly even “fruity” according to the nose of some beholders). Flowers occur mostly in the summer months but can spot flower from spring through to autumn in the tropics.
It was recently introduced into Australia but has been slow to be embraced by gardeners, which is a shame. With great foliage, a long flowering period, scented blooms, handles full sun to part shade and the adaptability of this plant to a wide range of warm climates (tropical, subtropical and warm temperate) this plant should be on the WANT LIST for most gardeners. It is well suited to pruning as a hedge and screening plant, plus looks good as a pot plant specimen.
written by Paul Plant, Editor subTropical Gardening magazine.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m new to gardening in Australia and joined the Townsville Garden Club to learn what plants grow well here. I bought Radermachera from Bunnings last year, and so I was really pleased to read your praise for this lovely plant. I have it as a pot plant on the deck and it is currently flowering.
Radermachera ‘Summerscent’ – I am wondering if this is the small trees planted along parts of Waterworks Road, Ashgrove. They make a showy display when in flower but not all trees flower to the same extent as others. I must stop sometime when passing to have a smell and see if they are fragrant as it is described.
Hi Alex, I rarely drive along that road so please keep us informed if this is the plant.
I planted 7 of these trees along a bound fence last Feb and although they look healthy, green and flowering. The height hasn’t improved greatly. Can you advise?
Gardening can be a complex harmony of so many variables such as soil, climate, nutrients, soil microflora and soil microfauna… one imbalance can disrupt the entire system.
Gardening can also be a simple experience of planting, watering and caring for plants, then watching them grow, bloom and thrive.
However we all tend to have problems with some plants, yet other plants grow well.
If a plant looks healthy, is green and flowering, then what you are doing for plant husbandry is correct.
You can speed up growth with high nitrogen fertiliser (or animal manures) but that will be at the expense of flowers. It is a decision you need to make.