Overview
Dioscorea bulbifera is a climbing climber wall shrub in the genus Dioscorea, part of the Dioscoreaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Dioscorea bulbifera grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1c. Suggested uses include patio and container plants, wildlife gardens and wall side borders.
About
Dioscorea bulbifera (commonly known as the air potato, air yam, bitter yam, cheeky yam, potato yam, aerial yam, and parsnip yam) is a species of true yam in the yam family, Dioscoreaceae. It is native to Africa, Asia and northern Australia. It is widely cultivated and has become naturalized in many regions. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it needs a warm, frost-free position in the UK (RHS H1c). It works well for patio and container plants, wildlife gardens and wall side borders. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing and east-facing aspects. Plant at appropriate depth in well-drained soil.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dioscorea bulbifera
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Dioscorea
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1c
Plant details
Dioscorea bulbifera size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dioscorea bulbifera
- Propagation
- Seed, Softwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Froghoppers
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Dioscorea bulbifera?
Dioscorea bulbifera prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Dioscorea bulbifera need?
Dioscorea bulbifera grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Dioscorea bulbifera hardy in the UK?
Dioscorea bulbifera has an RHS hardiness rating of H1c, meaning it needs a warm, frost-free position of 5–10°C and is best grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Dioscorea bulbifera?
Seed, Softwood cuttings.
