Dregea - Growing Guide

This is a twining, woody, evergreen climber which is frost hardy although originating from Chinese forests.

It will grow to around 10ft if given wires or trellis to climb up and twine through. The leaves are ovate to heart shaped, green on top and downy grey-white underneath.

Although this is a fairly rare climber those who have ever seen it in flower may well be rushing to add it to their check-out box! If you delight in growing hoya in your greenhouse this is the plant for outside in your garden. The flowers are creamy white and fragrant in hanging umbrils from the leaf axis which are 2½in across. Each flower is around half an inch long so this is quite a hoya-like display. It occurs in August and September.

It likes a well drained soil in sun or partial shade. In spring you will need to prune out any dead wood or old leaves. Cuttings of newer growth will root in summer or autumn with bottom heat.

Dregia sinensis

Dregia sinensis

Dregia sinensis

Dregia sinensis

• DREGEA
• DREGEA sinensis