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Cup and saucer plant
A BEAUTIFUL scrambling shrub, native to the sub-tropical Himalayas, the Parasol, (umbrella) plant (or Rusty shield or Chinese hat plant). Holmskioldia sanguinea, is a large shrub that belongs to the family Verbenaceae that includes Verbena officinalis, Clerodendron thomsoniae, Lantana camera, Clerodendrum paniculatum. The species name sanguinea has its Latin origin (Sanguis means blood, ruddy complexion) to denote its red coloured flowers.
Flowering occurs usually during October to December and sometimes upto the end of March. The flowers are used as cut flowers.
This sun loving plant is well suited to grow on both barbed wire or other fences, arbours and trellises. Adaptability to poor soil, resistance to diseases and infestations and requirement of very little care make this attractive plant a gardener's choice. Propagation is by layering and stem cuttings. Manuring just prior to monsoon favours both vegetative growth and flowering. Pruning its staggering growth preferably after flowering is over keeps the plant in good shape.
S.A. CHELLAPPA A. SHANTHI
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