Songhongmei, a recently introduced ornamental flower, has captured the attention of horticulturists and garden enthusiasts. Known for its unique combination of pine-like leaves and plum-like blossoms, it is also referred to as "pine leaf peony" due to its double-flowered appearance that resembles peonies. Although its flowers are not large, they are densely packed and bloom in full glory, creating a vibrant and charming visual effect. The blooming period of Songhongmei is exceptionally long, lasting from early winter to early summer in northern regions, and up to four months in the south. Its flowering aligns perfectly with the holiday season, making it an ideal indoor plant for adding a festive touch during New Year and Spring Festival.
In addition to being used as potted plants, Songhongmei can be grown as garden shrubs or even as cut flowers for floral arrangements. Beyond its ornamental value, this plant has medicinal properties. It can extract essential oils with strong antibacterial effects, effective against viruses and fungi. These oils are used to treat respiratory issues and are also popular in aromatherapy abroad for their pleasant fragrance and therapeutic benefits.
Botanically, Songhongmei is an evergreen shrub belonging to the Myrtaceae family, typically reaching a height of about 2 meters. It features dense branches, reddish-brown stems, and slender new shoots covered with fine hairs. The leaves are linear or lance-shaped, measuring between 0.7 cm to 2 cm in length and 0.2 cm to 0.6 cm in width. The flowers come in various colors such as red, pink, white, and more, with diameters ranging from 0.5 cm to 2.5 cm. They bloom in late spring, followed by leathery pods that split open when mature.
Native to New Zealand and Australia, Songhongmei thrives in cool, moist, and sunny environments. However, it is not highly cold-tolerant and requires temperatures above -1°C during winter. Therefore, it is best suited for southern regions with milder climates. It prefers slightly acidic soils rich in organic matter, well-drained, and loose. The ideal growing temperature is between 18°C and 25°C. During summer, it should be protected from excessive heat and direct sunlight, ideally placed under shade or in ventilated areas. In other seasons, it needs plenty of sunlight. Regular fertilization with diluted liquid fertilizer every 1-2 months helps maintain soil moisture, while drainage must be ensured during rainy periods to avoid waterlogging.
After flowering each year, proper pruning is essential to maintain the plant’s shape and encourage new growth. Pruning should be done carefully—only some branches that affect the overall form should be completely removed, while others should be trimmed by half or two-thirds. Over-pruning can harm the plant, as mature lignified wood lacks active buds. After pruning, applying a quick-acting inorganic fertilizer helps promote healthy regrowth and ensures good flowering the following year. Since the root system is shallow, care should be taken not to disturb the soil too much to avoid damaging the roots.
Propagation of Songhongmei can be done through cuttings, air layering, or sowing. The ideal temperature for seed germination and rooting is around 20°C, making it suitable for cooler mountainous regions. Survival rates tend to be lower in hot and humid areas. When young, the top of the plant can be pinched to encourage branching and create a fuller canopy. (Against Baofeng)
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