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
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| 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
H2Botanical 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
Get involved
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