Sarmienta scandens
climbing Chilean pitcher flower
A prostrate evergreen perennial with half-woody rooting stems bearing obovate leaves and solitary urn-shaped bright red flowers 2.5cm long in the leaf axils in summer
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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–drainedColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Gesneriaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Sarmienta are creeping epiphytic woody-based perennials with simple, paired leaves and 5-lobed flowers borne in the leaf axils
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Chile
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in 2 parts peat-free potting compost and 1 part each fine-grade granulated bark and leafmould, or grow epiphytically. Provide bright, indirect light. Water freely in growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter
Propagation
Propagate by seed, or root stem-tip cuttings in late summer. Separate rooted stems in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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