About
A herbaceous perennial climber often found in woodland margins, scrub and hedges. Small yellow-green flowers are produced in summer which have a cinnamon fragrance, and are followed by round red berries that remain on the plant until winter. It has deep, fleshy roots and alternate, glossy heart shaped leaves to 18cm long.
About the genus
Dioscorea can be evergreen or deciduous, twining perennials with tuberous roots and simple or palmate leaves and small bell-shaped greenish or yellow flowers in racemes from the leaf axils
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
Native toEurope, Mediterranean, Macaronesia, SW Asia
FragranceFlower
ToxicityTOXIC if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): TOXIC if eaten, skin irritant - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationAn interesting addition to wildlife areas, or scrambling over a mature hedge, with glowing red berries attractive to birds. Grows freely in sun and partial shade, less successful in full shade and in damp or poorly drained soils. See bryony for more information
PruningNo pruning required, but long stems may be shortened or removed where not wanted. Wear gloves when handling the plant
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and froghoppers
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free