**Dragon Boat Flower (Ixorachinensis)**
*Alias: Ying Dan Hua, Mei Dan Hua, Hong Xian Dan, Red Hydrangea, Shan Dan*
**Family:** Rubiaceae
**Scientific Name:** *Ixorachinensis* Lam.
**Origin:** Native to southern China
**Features:**
This small shrub is entirely hairless. Its leaves are opposite, with stipules located between the leaf stalks. The leaves are thin, lance-shaped, oblong-lanceolate, or oblong-ovate, measuring 6–13 cm in length. The stipules are about 6–8 mm long. The inflorescences are short-stalked, with red branches, and can reach 6–7 cm in length and 6–12 cm in diameter. Each cluster contains 4–5 flowers, with a diameter of 12–16 mm. The flowers have very short pedicels. The calyx lobes are toothed and longer than the calyx tube. The corolla is red or yellow-red, with a tube that is 3–3.5 cm long. The lobes are obovate or nearly round, with rounded tips. The number of stamens matches the number of corolla lobes, and they are positioned at the throat of the corolla. The berries are nearly spherical, about 7–8 mm in diameter, and purple in color.
**Flowering Period:**
The Dragon Boat Flower has an exceptionally long blooming season, often flowering from March to December each year.
**Growth Habits:**
These plants thrive in warm, sunny conditions and prefer a courtyard, rooftop garden, or south- or west-facing balcony. When winter temperatures drop below 5°C, it’s best to bring them indoors and place them in a sunny window area. As long as the temperature stays above 5°C, they can survive the winter comfortably. In areas where the temperature remains above 10°C, they can be kept outdoors year-round.
During summer, they don’t require shade—more sunlight leads to more vibrant blooms. However, they need consistent watering. They are also somewhat shade-tolerant and prefer loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter and slightly acidic.
**Propagation:**
Dragon Boat Flowers are mainly propagated through seeds and cuttings. Seeds should be collected in winter and sown in spring the following year. Germination typically occurs within 20–25 days, and seedlings can be transplanted when they have 3–4 leaves. Cuttings are best taken from May to July, especially during June and July. Use semi-woody stems that are 10–15 cm long and plant them in sand. Rooting usually takes 40–50 days.
**Cultivation Tips:**
Plant them in a deep, sunny location. Repot every two years and prune regularly to remove weak or diseased branches. During the growing season, apply fertilizer once a month. When seedlings reach 30 cm in height, pinch back the tips to encourage bushier growth. In winter, protect them from cold temperatures.
**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 solution. Scale insects may also appear and can be controlled with a 10-times diluted rosin mixture.
**Uses:**
Dragon Boat Flowers are known for their beauty, dense flowering, and long blooming period. They are ideal for planting in open fields in southern regions, suitable for courtyards, hotels, and scenic spots. Potted varieties are perfect for windowsills, balconies, and guest rooms.
**Medicinal Value:**
The entire plant has medicinal properties, helping to stop bleeding and act as an oxytocic agent.
**Interesting Facts:**
Known as "Hundred Days Red" due to its long flowering period, the Dragon Boat Flower is the national flower of Myanmar. According to local legend, it is associated with a unique wedding tradition. In some communities, families build floating gardens on water near their homes and fill them with these flowers. On the day of the wedding, the bride sits in the floating garden, which is then released into the water. The groom waits on the shore and retrieves the garden, bringing the bride home for the ceremony.
Whether planted in the garden or grown in pots, the Dragon Boat Flower adds vibrant color and charm to any space. Its beauty and cultural significance make it a beloved plant in many regions.
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