Found this info for you on this beautiful small tree which is is covered in large, scented, creamy white bells in September (southern hemisphere). Last paragraph deals with cultivation.
QUOTE FROM Urban Green File Issue 7-5 November/December 2002
TREE OF THE ISSUE
Rothmannia Globosa and
Rothmannia Capensis
September Bells and the Cape Gardenia
Landscape designer and contractor Dugal Bennie of Cedara Scapes has chosen two of the Rothmannias, R. globosa and R. capensis as the Trees of the Issue. He favours R. globosa which is commonly called September Bells or the Bell Gardenia because of its mass display of bell-shaped, scented flowers in September (southern hemisphere) and because it grows faster than R. capensis, the Cape Gardenia. He adds that the latter, however, has exquisitely beautiful flowers, with a bell shape that is slightly shallower, and is also very rewarding although it requires patience. He says they are both neglected as landscaping subjects, possibly because they are not always available commercially. He is in the process of growing a crop from seed which he hopes will be ready to sell in two years time.
Dugal says that the prolific flowerer, September Bells, has a delightful perfume which fills the garden, particularly as the temperature cools down after sunset. It is a small, slender, evergreen tree of the forest margin which flowers for up to three weeks. He points out that the foliage is also very attractive, as the new leaves are almost translucent against sunlight. He says it is appropriate for every part of the garden, although it might be best suited to entertainment areas, positioned where the prevailing winds will waft the scent into the house or office boardroom of an evening. He planted September Bells at First National BankÂs Training Centre in Grayston Avenue, Sandton, about 2m above a walkway, tucked away so you had to look for it, but the fragrance was in the air. He was often asked by intrigued trainees what the source of the perfume was.
Asked how to treat this special plant, Dugal replies that he creates the effect of the forest floor at root level by mixing compost into the soil at planting stage (at least one third of the volume of the planting hole), by mixing bark chips in with the soil to help the drainage and by establishing a thick layer of leaf mulch to keep the roots cool. He says that about 25mm of water a week through the summer months should be adequate to allow R. globosa to put on about 0,5m of growth in a season.
Just joined gw. I've had this growing in the brisbane area for the last 4 years on a clay subsoil bank facing north west. Only water when absolutely have to. No fertiliser, only mulch and gypsum every few years to try to break down clay. Tough as old boots but does tend to sucker a bit - Good luck with yours.
Modjadje
leafyleaOriginal Author
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