Overview
Cuscuta capitata is a climbing annual biennial in the genus Cuscuta, part of the Convolvulaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Cuscuta capitata grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens.
About
Cuscuta capitata, commonly known as Bengal dodder, is a climbing annual or biennial plant in the Convolvulaceae family. It has deciduous foliage and thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring south- or west-facing aspects. This cultivar can grow in a variety of soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, and tolerates acid, alkaline, and neutral pH levels, even in poorly-drained conditions. It is hardy to UK zone H7 and is suited to wildlife gardens. Propagation is primarily by seed, which can remain dormant in the soil for years before sprouting in spring and summer.
About the genus
Cuscuta, commonly known as dodder or amarbel, is a genus of over 201 species of yellow, orange, or red parasitic plants. The genus possess minimal chlorophyll and utilize haustoria to extract nutrient and water from host's vascular system. Formerly treated as the only genus in the family Cuscutaceae, it now is accepted as belonging in the morning glory family, Convolvulaceae, on the basis of the work of the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group.
Wikipedia contributors, "Cuscuta", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cuscuta
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cuscuta
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Cuscuta capitata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cuscuta capitata
- Propagation
- Primarily propagates by seed, which can remain dormant in soil for years. Once sprouted, seedlings must quickly locate a host plant or perish
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cuscuta capitata?
Cuscuta capitata prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Cuscuta capitata need?
Cuscuta capitata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays poorly-drained.
Is Cuscuta capitata hardy in the UK?
Cuscuta capitata has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Cuscuta capitata?
Primarily propagates by seed, which can remain dormant in soil for years. Once sprouted, seedlings must quickly locate a host plant or perish.