Sparrmannia africana![RHS AGM](/assets/styles/images/icons/RHS-AGM--Small-Vert__web.svg)
African hemp
S. africana is a vigorous evergreen shrub to 6m or more, with large, broadly ovate, shallowly lobed leaves and clusters of white flowers 3.5cm across, with red and yellow stamens
![](https://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselectorimages/detail/WSY0033885_8796.jpg)
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Red White Yellow | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Red White Yellow | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): Skin irritant - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Sparrmannia are large evergreen shrubs or small trees, with simple or palmately lobed, ovate leaves and umbels of 4-petalled, white or purple flowers with prominent stamens
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- South Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in loam-based compost in full light. Grow outdoors in moist but well-drained soil in sheltered frost-free area
Propagation
Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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