About
Didymocarpus antirrhinoides is an ornamental gesneriad from tropical Asia producing rosettes of hairy, soft leaves and small, tubular, snapdragon-like flowers. A specialist plant for a cool, moist, shaded greenhouse or terrarium.
About the genus
Didymocarpus are gesneriads from tropical Asia producing rosettes of hairy, soft leaves and small, tubular flowers in blue, purple, white or yellow. Grown as specialist plants in cool, moist, shaded greenhouse conditions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Ferns
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens
Native toNew Zealand
Care notes
CultivationGrow outdoors in a moist but well-drained humus-rich soil. In hot, dry summers water the stem but avoid watering the crown in winter. Will grow without winter protection only in milder areas
PruningDead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary
PropagationPropagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free outdoors
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free outdoors