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Climber Wall ShrubConservatory Greenhouse

Araujia sericifera

cruel plant

A fast-growing, twining, evergreen climber with narrowly oval leaves 10cm long. From late summer to autumn it bears small sprays of bell-shaped, scented, white or pale pink flowers. Sticky pollen masses temporarily trap visiting moths, hence the common name

Other common names
white bladderflower
Synonyms
Araujia albens

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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink White Green
Autumn Pink White Green Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Apocynaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Climbing
Genus

Araujia are evergreen climbing shrubs with twining stems containing copious white latex, simple, paired leaves and fragrant salver-shaped flowers borne in umbels in the leaf axils, followed by large, inflated fruits containing silky-tufted seeds

Name status

Correct

Plant range
South America

How to grow

Cultivation

Under glass grow in coarse, peat-free, loam-based compost in full light. Where temperatures do not fall below zero grow outdoors in well-drained, moderately fertile soil in sun or semi-shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown when ripe, or in spring. Root semi-ripe cuttings of lateral shoots with bottom heat in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 11, in early spring

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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