I wish you could smell these on your computer!  Luculia pinceana is a rare shrub from southern Asia with a deliciously sweet scent.  Throughout fall and winter, when most plants lack color, it bursts forth with a stunning display of pink blooms.  The flowers appear in large trusses that resemble Hydrangeas.  This is a cool-climate plant and may not thrive in warm conditions.  It is extremely rare — I don't know any other US source for it on the internet.

Luculia pinceana is an evergreen bush in the Rubiaceae (Gardenia) family.  It grows about 10-12 feet tall and wide, although it may be pruned to any size.  The plant is attractive even without blooms, with lush, thick leaves from 6 to 9 inches long.  The flower clusters are about 8 inches across and may appear any time of year, but mostly when the day length shortens in autumn and winter.  The inch-wide blooms start out as bright pink buds and open to a light pink or almost white.  Its jasmine-like perfume can be smelled from across the garden!

Luculia pinceana is happiest in mild conditions, with daytime temperatures below 80 degrees, and cooler nights.  It might not thrive if temperatures are consistently above the low 80s and nights are warm.  In autumn, it should have night-time temperatures below about 55° in order to stimulate flowering.  This species needs protection from frost.  It's possible that it won't survive below about 28 degrees F.  It prefers part-sun, with some protection from strong afternoon sun.  It may be grown in a pot or in the ground in a slightly-acid soil mix that is very well draining.  Keep the soil evenly moist for best results.  Over about 40% humidity is recommended.

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