Marsdenia oreophila - Growing Guide

This is a little known but attractive half hardy evergreen climber originating in SW China which can grow up to 6-9ft in height either in the greenhouse or up against a sheltered wall in full sun. It needs training and supporting in the greenhouse or outside especially as its flower trusses hang down within the plant itself. Careful training of the vigorous new growth shoots ensures that the clusters of seven to fifteen individual white flowers can be shown off to best effect. Each flower is star shaped, waxy and highly scented with five twisted petals. The flowers appear in mid to late July at Burncoose and can carry on until September.

The green leaves are also slightly fleshy and oval with softly hairy undersides. We have known this plant to be cut back in frosts but, so long as the plant is not completely frozen for a long period, it will reshoot successfully with some dieback. We grow it alongside Araujia sericofera which has similar characteristics.

Marsdenia_oreophila

Marsdenia oreophila

Marsdenia oreophila

Marsdenia oreophila