Tabernaemontana alba, the white milkwood, is a species of plant in the family Apocynaceae. It is found in Central America, Mexico, Florida, Cuba, and Colombia.
White milkwood has strong disease resistance and is usually not prone to diseases. Regarding care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When planted outside, it needs minimal watering, and larger specimens generally do not require pruning. However, smaller plants should be pruned after they have finished blooming. White milkwood is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not require extensive care experience.
How to keep Tabernaemontana Alba.
Light
White milkwood is found in open habitats, for example sunlit meadows and forest margins, which offer abundant light. It performs best in Full Sun but can also tolerate Partial Sun, adjusting well to different light conditions.
Temperature
White milkwood comes from tropical areas, where the climate is generally warm and humid. As a result, it is well suited to high heat and moisture. It does not tolerate sudden temperature changes and prefers a stable thermal environment, so avoiding temperature fluctuations indoors is important. It usually cannot withstand cold and requires relatively high temperatures to grow. If the ambient temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.
Fertilizer
The best time to fertilize a White milkwood is in early spring, when it comes out of dormancy. This supports overall growth and flower development. Feeding the plant improves foliage, stems, and branches, and encourages flowers that are large, bright, and long-lasting. It also helps move nutrients from the roots to the blooms and enhances the plant's health and resistance to disease.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Tabernaemontana
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-12
- Mature Height
- 3.05 m to 6.1 m
- Mature Spread
- 2.13 m to 3.96 m
- Leaf Color
- Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 3.05 cm to 5.08 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring, Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer, Fall, Early winter
- Native Area
- Colombia, Belize, Cuba, Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama
Other names.
