About
Dimorphanthera are climbing or scrambling shrubs from the mountains of New Guinea in the heather family (Ericaceae), producing large, tubular or urn-shaped flowers in shades of orange, red and yellow � among the most spectacular of all ericaceous climbers. Grown in cool to intermediate greenhouse conditions.
About the genus
Dimorphanthera are climbing or scrambling shrubs in the heather family (Ericaceae), native to the mountains of New Guinea. They produce large, tubular to urn-shaped flowers in orange, red and yellow. Grown as specialist ornamental climbers in cool to intermediate glasshouse conditions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Full 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 hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Coastal, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toSpain
ToxicityTOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationWill grow in almost any soil or situation except very wet or very dry; ideal site is a sheltered, warm site with humus-rich soil in partial shade. A perennial but often treated as a biennial. See foxglove cultivation for further advice
PruningCut back main flower spike as it fades to encourage the growth of flowering side shoots
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in late spring or propagate by division in early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and leaf and bud eelworm
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, downy mildews and leaf spot