Elatostema repens var. pulchrum
trailing watermelon begonia
A trailing evergreen perennial to 10cm high, with purple stems bearing attractive grey-mottled, dark green leaves, veined deeper green, and purple beneath. Flowers insignificant
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Purple | Green Grey Silver Purple | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Purple | Green | Green Grey Silver Purple | |
Autumn | Purple | Green Grey Silver Purple | ||
Winter | Purple | Green Grey Silver Purple |
Position
- Full shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Urticaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Trailing
- Genus
Elatostema can be perennials or subshrubs, with simple, evergreen leaves which are heavily mottled with silver or bronze, and insignificant greenish flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- SE Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright, indirect light and shade from hot sun. Water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly when in growth and water moderately in winter. Can be grown outdoors in fertile, humus-rich soil in deep shade. An ideal plant for terrariums and bottle gardens
Propagation
Propagate by root cuttings at anytime of year
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Shorten shoots, when in growth, to maintain shape
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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