Ceropegia woodii
hearts on a string
An evergreen tuberous perennial with long trailing stems to 1m or more, bearing small, heart-shaped, grey-patterned leaves purple beneath, and lantern-shaped pink and purple tubular flowers 2cm long
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver Purple | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Pink | Green Grey Silver Purple | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver Purple | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver Purple |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Trailing
- Genus
Ceropegia can be evergreen or semi-evergreen, erect, climbing to trailing, usually succulent, perennials with opposite leaves and curioously shaped flowers in summer, sometimes followed by cylindrical fruits containing silky tufted seeds
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Zimbabwe to S Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in cactus compost. Water moderately when in growth and apply a low nitrogen liquid fertiliser 2 or 3 times. Keep plants dry at other times
Propagation
Propagate by seed at 19-24°C (66-75°F) in early spring or propagate from stem bulbils. Alternatively take stem cuttings, 10-15cm (4-6in) long in early summer, root in a cactus compost at 22-25°C (72-77°F), and keep moist
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Vulnerable to mealybugs, aphids and scale insects
Diseases
Vulnerable to basal rot if too wet in winter
Get involved
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