**Dragon Boat Flower (Ixorachinensis)**
**Common Names:** Ying Dan Hua, Mei Dan Hua, Hong Xian Dan, Red Hydrangea, Shan Dan
**Family:** Rubiaceae
**Scientific Name:** *Ixorachinensis* Lam.
**Native Region:** Southern China
**Description:**
The Dragon Boat Flower is a small, evergreen shrub with smooth, hairless leaves and stems. The opposite leaves are lance-shaped or oblong-lanceolate, measuring 6 to 13 cm in length. Small stipules are found between the leaf stalks, typically 6 to 8 mm long. The inflorescence is short-stalked, featuring red branches and clusters of 4 to 5 flowers. Each flower has a red or yellow-red corolla with a tube about 3 to 3.5 cm long and obovate or nearly round petals. The stamens match the number of corolla lobes, positioned at the throat of the flower. The fruit is a nearly spherical berry, approximately 7–8 mm in diameter, with a purple color.
**Blooming Period:**
This plant has an impressive flowering period, blooming from March to December each year, making it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes.
**Growth Habits:**
Dragon Boat Flowers thrive in warm, sunny conditions and prefer well-drained, acidic soil rich in organic matter. They do best in a sunny courtyard, rooftop garden, or south- or west-facing balcony. In winter, when temperatures drop below 5°C, they should be moved indoors near a sunny window to survive. If kept above 5°C, they can easily pass through the colder months. In areas where temperatures remain above 10°C, they can stay outdoors year-round.
During summer, direct sunlight encourages more vibrant blooms, though they can tolerate some shade. Consistent watering is essential during this time.
**Propagation:**
Dragon Boat Flowers are commonly propagated through seeds and cuttings. Seeds are produced in winter and sown the following spring. Germination usually occurs within 20–25 days, and seedlings can be transplanted once they have 3–4 true leaves. Cuttings are best taken from June to July, using semi-woody shoots about 10–15 cm long. These cuttings root well in sand and typically take 40–50 days to establish.
**Cultivation Tips:**
Plant them in deep, sunny spots. Repot every two years, and prune regularly to remove weak or diseased branches. Fertilize once a month during the growing season. When seedlings reach 30 cm in height, pinch the tips to encourage bushier growth. In winter, protect them from frost.
**Pests and Diseases:**
Leaf spot and anthracnose are common issues. These can be treated with a 1000-fold dilution of 10% Antibacterial Agent 401 Acetic Acid. Scale insects may also appear, and they can be controlled with a 10-times diluted rosin solution.
**Uses:**
The Dragon Boat Flower is prized for its beauty, dense blooms, and long flowering duration. It is ideal for open-field planting in southern regions, as well as for courtyards, hotels, and scenic areas. Potted varieties are perfect for windowsills, balconies, and guest rooms.
The entire plant has medicinal properties, helping to stop bleeding and promoting uterine contractions.
**Interesting Facts:**
Known as "Hundred Days Red" due to its long blooming period, the Dragon Boat Flower is the national flower of Myanmar. According to local legend, it symbolizes love and commitment. Among the Yisiteha people, a traditional custom involves placing a floating garden filled with Dragon Boat Flowers on water. On the day of a daughter’s wedding, she sits in the garden, which is then released into the river. The groom waits on the shore, ready to pull her ashore and bring her home. This beautiful tradition highlights the cultural significance of the Dragon Boat Flower.
We are a professional Chinese manufacturer of Female Health Care Material;we supply various products of Woman's Health Materials, and can providing product images and basic parameters with each Woman's Health Materials and Breast Enlarghe Material. We have the perfect after-sales service and technical support. Please do not hesitate to contact us, Look forward to your cooperation!
Woman's Health Materials,Soy Isoflavones,Radix Puerariae Extract,Flax Seed Extract,Breast Enlarghe Material
Xi'an Quanao Biotech Co., Ltd. , https://www.quanaobio.com