Luculia gratissima is a stunning and fragrant flowering plant native to India, Nepal, China, and Vietnam. Interestingly, it is a member of the Coffee family. The Latin word gratissima means "most pleasing" or "most agreeable"..there's no doubting that! This large shrub can grow up to 3 metres tall and 2.5 metres wide, with ribbed leaves and clusters of pale pink flowers that bloom in autumn and winter. It does best in a semi-shaded position with rich, moist, and well-draining soil, and cannot tolerate temperatures below 5°C. In temperate zones, it requires cultivation under glass, but can be placed outside in a sheltered, sunny spot during the summer months.

To keep the plant from looking leggy, prune back the foliage after the shrub is finished flowering. Luculia gratissima is easy-care and doesn't seem to be bothered by pests or diseases, as long as it has a free draining site. However, it can be easily battered and broken by coastal storms and is threatened by frosts and strong winds. Worth getting this hard-to-find plant for the scent alone!