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Climber Wall ShrubHerbaceous Perennial

Bryonia dioica
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

white bryony

Britain's only native member of the cucumber family. It is an herbaceous, tendrilled climber with separate male and female plants. Leaves are entire and palmately 5 lobed. Greenish white flowers are borne in clusters in the leaf axils from May to August followed by hangingropes of berries that turn red in autumn

Other common names
devil's cherry
devil's turnip
see moreEnglish mandrake
grapewort
Isle of Wight vine
murrain berries
red bryony
tetterberry
white wild vine
wild hop
bloneg y ddaear
Synonyms
Bryonia cretica subsp. dioica
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Cream Green Green
Summer Cream Green Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Cucurbitaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Climbing
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe, N Africa, SW Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Prefers well-drained, rich soils. Occurs naturally in hedgerows and woods

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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