Overview
Dioscorea quinqueloba is a climbing climber wall shrub in the genus Dioscorea, part of the Dioscoreaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Dioscorea quinqueloba 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 quinqueloba is a deciduous climbing plant belonging to the Dioscorea genus, known for its twining perennials with tuberous roots. This climber thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring sheltered, south- or east-facing aspects with well-drained loam or sandy soils of varying pH. It is hardy to UK zone H1c and is suitable for patio containers, wildlife gardens, and wall-side borders. The plant flowers in spring and summer, producing small bell-shaped flowers in racemes from the leaf axils. Cultivation is best with fertile soil and shaded roots, and propagation can be achieved by seed or softwood cuttings.
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 quinqueloba 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 quinqueloba
- Propagation
- Seed, Softwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Froghoppers
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Dioscorea quinqueloba?
Dioscorea quinqueloba prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Dioscorea quinqueloba need?
Dioscorea quinqueloba grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Dioscorea quinqueloba hardy in the UK?
Dioscorea quinqueloba 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 quinqueloba?
Seed, Softwood cuttings.
