Overview
Cliffortia ruscifolia is a plant with a spreading, herbaceous ground cover habit in the genus Cliffortia, part of the Rosaceae family, with dark green, shiny, toothed leaves foliage. Cliffortia ruscifolia grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include ground cover, slopes, banks, mixed borders, rockeries, pots and hanging baskets.
About
Cliffortia ruscifolia, known as climber's friend, is a spreading, herbaceous ground cover from the Rosaceae family. It features dark green, shiny, toothed leaves and thrives in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered aspect. This cultivar prefers fertile, well-drained loam soil with an acid to neutral pH and is hardy in UK zones rated H4. Suitable for use on slopes, banks, mixed borders, rockeries, pots, and hanging baskets, it is best propagated by cuttings or rooted runners and offers interest during spring and summer.
About the genus
Cliffortia, or Caperose is a genus of plants that has been assigned to the rose family, with currently 132 known species. Its species can be found in southern Africa, particularly in the Cape Floristic Region (CFR) where 124 of the species can be found, 109 of which are endemic to the CFR. Most species are ericoid shrubs, some small trees up to 5 m high, others more or less herbaceous groundcover.
Wikipedia contributors, "Cliffortia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cliffortia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cliffortia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Cliffortia ruscifolia size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Spreading, Herbaceous ground cover
- Foliage
- Dark green, Shiny, Toothed leaves
- Suggested uses
- Ground cover, Slopes, Banks, Mixed borders, Rockeries, Pots, Hanging baskets
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cliffortia ruscifolia
- Propagation
- Cuttings, Rooted runners
- Pest resistance
- Resistant to drought, Hardy, Water-wise
- Disease resistance
- Not specified
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cliffortia ruscifolia?
Cliffortia ruscifolia prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cliffortia ruscifolia need?
Cliffortia ruscifolia grows best in loam soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Cliffortia ruscifolia hardy in the UK?
Cliffortia ruscifolia has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Cliffortia ruscifolia?
Cuttings, Rooted runners.