Flowers

• Appearance: The flowers are large, showy, and camellia-like, measuring 2–4 inches in diameter. Each bloom is a crisp white with a prominent cluster of bright yellow stamens at the center, resembling a fried egg.
• Bloom Time: Blooms in late fall through winter, providing an elegant splash of color when many other plants are dormant.
• Fragrance: Mild and subtle, adding a delicate sensory touch to its visual appeal.
• Pollinator Attraction: The blooms are nectar-rich, attracting bees and other pollinators during their flowering season.

Foliage

• Appearance: The leaves are glossy, dark green, and oval-shaped with a leathery texture. They have slightly serrated edges and grow alternately along the branches, forming a dense, lush canopy.
• Size: Leaves measure 2–5 inches long, providing a bold, tropical look.
• Texture: Smooth and slightly rigid, adding an elegant structure to the plant.
• Seasonality: Evergreen, maintaining its vibrant foliage throughout the year, offering year-round interest and reliable greenery.

The combination of its striking white flowers with bright yellow centers and glossy, evergreen foliage makes Polyspora axillaris a standout choice for adding elegance and seasonal interest to a wide range of landscapes.

Planting Requirements

• Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade. Full sun encourages the best flowering, but some afternoon shade is beneficial in hotter climates.
• Soil: Thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Enrich the soil with organic matter such as compost for optimal growth. Avoid heavy or poorly draining soils.
• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate.

Watering

• Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system.
• Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant but performs best with consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Avoid waterlogging.

Fertilization

• Feed with an acidic, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and flowering.
• Mulching with organic material helps retain moisture and improves soil quality over time.

Pruning

• Minimal pruning is required. Remove dead or damaged branches in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and health.
• Prune lightly after flowering to encourage bushy growth if necessary.

Growth Habit and Size

• A medium to large evergreen shrub or small tree with an upright, spreading habit.
• Grows to a height of 10–30 feet and a spread of 6–15 feet, depending on growing conditions. Its dense growth makes it suitable for hedges or specimen planting.

Pests and Diseases

• Generally pest- and disease-free. Rarely affected by significant issues but monitor for scale or aphids.
• Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues, especially in humid climates.

Special Features

• Flowers: Large, showy, camellia-like blooms are white with prominent yellow stamens, resembling a fried egg. Flowers appear in late fall to winter, providing off-season interest when few other plants are blooming.
• Foliage: Glossy, dark green, leathery leaves are oval-shaped with slightly serrated edges, creating an elegant and dense canopy.
• Evergreen Habit: Retains its foliage year-round, adding consistent greenery to the landscape.

Winter Care

• Hardy in USDA zones 8–9. Protect young plants from frost in cooler regions by mulching around the base and covering with frost cloth during cold snaps.
• Established plants tolerate light frosts but may require additional protection in severe winters.

Landscape Uses

• Ideal for use as a specimen tree, hedge, or privacy screen due to its dense growth habit and striking blooms.
• Works well in woodland gardens, mixed borders, or as a backdrop for other flowering plants.

Additional Tips

• Avoid planting in overly windy locations, as the large flowers can be damaged by strong gusts.
• Regularly monitor soil moisture, as the plant prefers consistent conditions and dislikes prolonged drought or waterlogged soil.

With its glossy evergreen foliage, striking winter blooms, and low-maintenance nature, Polyspora axillaris is an elegant and versatile addition to gardens and landscapes.