Malaysian Orchid | Rose Grape Flower

Medinilla myriantha, often called the 'Malaysian Orchid' is not actually an orchid and nor is it from Malaysia (its endemic to the Phillipines). In its natural habitat it is semi-epiphytic so it definitely requires very porous, free-draining soil. It sports large, broad lush leaves and puts on a fabulous flower show in late NZ's late autumn, with dangling panicles of beautiful small pinky-purple 'grapes' - hence its other common name; the Rose Grape flower. Needs to avoid a hard frost but apart from that it is remarkably hardy for such a tropical plant and even does well in pots or hanging baskets.