Pinwheel flower chandni plant

Indigenous to South and Southeast Asia, the Chandni plant represents purity and tranquility, frequently found in temple gardens, courtyards, and urban settings.

🌸 General Description
Botanical name: Tabernaemontana divaricata

Common names: Chandni, Tagar, Pinwheel Flower, Crape Jasmine, East Indian Rosebay

Plant type: Evergreen shrub or small tree

Height: 3–8 feet (may exceed this height if not pruned)

Spread: 2–5 feet

Leaves: Glossy, deep green, oval-shaped with pointed tips

Flowers: White, five-petaled, pinwheel-shaped; can be single or double form

Fragrance: Mild and sweet

Blooming season: Spring to late fall (year-round in warmer regions)

☀️ Light and Temperature Requirements
Sunlight:

Thrives in full sun to partial shade

Ideal: 4–6 hours of sunlight daily
Optional second feeding in mid-summer

Adding compost or organic mulch around the base contributes to long-term nutrition.

⚠️ Avoid fertilizing in late fall, as it may promote tender growth that is susceptible to winter damage.

✂️ Pruning and Shaping
Boxwood is recognized for its ability to be sheared and is a preferred choice for shaping.

When to prune:

Light pruning can be performed at any time.

Major pruning and shaping should occur from late spring to early summer.

How to prune:

Utilize hedge shears or clippers for shaping.

Eliminate any dead or diseased branches.

Occasionally thin out the interior to enhance airflow.

✂️ Tip: Prune on cloudy days to prevent sun scorch on exposed inner leaves.

🌿 Propagation Methods
Semi-hardwood Cuttings:

Take cuttings of 4–6 inches in length during late summer.

Remove the lower leaves and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone.

Plant in a moist potting mix and cover with plastic to maintain humidity.

Roots will develop in 4–6 weeks.

Air layering or division is less frequently used.

🌱 Boxwood propagation is a slow but rewarding process, particularly for heirloom varieties.

🐛 Pests and Diseases
Although hardy, Boxwood may face several challenges:

Pests:

Boxwood leafminer (tiny fly larvae)

Boxwood mites

Aphids or scale (rare)

Diseases:

Root rot (caused by overwatering or inadequate drainage)

Boxwood blight (a serious fungal infection)

Leaf scorch (resulting from extreme sun or wind)

🛡️ Solutions:

Water at the soil level.

Refrain from overhead watering.

Space plants adequately for air circulation.

Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap as necessary.

🎍 Garden and Landscape Uses
Formal hedges or garden borders.

Topiary art (shapes such as balls, spirals, and pyramids).

Foundation plantings.

Pathway edges.

Potted decorations for entrances and patios.

🌿 Complements beautifully with lavender, roses, camellias, or herbs in traditional gardens.

✅ Conclusion
Boxwood is a classic favorite for good reason—its ease of shaping, versatility, and evergreen nature provide structure, elegance, and low-maintenance greenery to your garden throughout the year. Whether utilized in a formal arrangement or a container garden, its adaptability renders it a dependable and gratifying plant.

In extremely hot climates, light afternoon shade is advantageous

Temperature:

Ideal range: 20–35°C (68–95°F)

Not frost-tolerant—provide protection during cold spells below 10°C (50°F)

Suitable for tropical and subtropical climates

💡 Can be cultivated indoors in containers near sunny windows in cooler climates.

💧 Watering Routine
Chandni prefers soil that is moderately moist and requires regular watering.

Young plants:

Water three times a week to promote root development

Mature plants:

Water twice a week during summer; reduce frequency in winter or rainy seasons

Soil should remain moist but not saturated

🪴 Check the top 1–2 inches of soil—if it feels dry, it is time to water.
Mulching aids in moisture retention and weed suppression.

🌱 Soil and Fertilizer Needs
Soil:

Prefers well-draining loamy or sandy soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

Enhance soil quality with organic compost, cow dung, or leaf mold

Fertilizer: