About
Didymocarpus citrinus is an ornamental gesneriad from tropical Asia producing the characteristic hairy, soft leaves and small, lemon-yellow, tubular flowers of the genus. 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 sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Coastal, Wildlife gardens
Native toSW Europe to E Asia
FragranceFoliage
ToxicityTOXIC to skin with sunlight. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets with sunlight - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningCut back to the base in autumn
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as ripe or in early spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free