About
Dimorphanthera amplifolia is a climbing shrub from the mountains of New Guinea producing the characteristic large, tubular, brilliantly coloured flowers of the genus on large-leaved stems. A spectacular climber for a cool to intermediate heated greenhouse.
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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toN. Spain
ToxicityTOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling 5862,digitalis-purpurea,Digitalis purpurea,common foxglove,Dimorphanthera amplifolia var. gigantea is the giant-leaved variety of D. amplifolia
Care notes
CultivationWill grow in almost any soil or situation except very wet or very dry; ideal site is a 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