About

This self-clinging climber growing as a dense mass of slender, very leafy stems, to 6m. Flowers are small, purplish white, borne in dense, stalkless spikes to 3.5cm long.

About the genus

Ercilla are evergreen climbers, supporting themselves by aerial roots. The simple, roundish-ovate leaves are dark green, leathery, sometimes shining. Flowers small, whitish, produced in spring

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3

Plant details

Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesWalls, fences, pergolas, arches.
Native toChile

Care notes

CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, with protection from cold, drying winds. Tie in to a support until the adhesive roots become established and can support the mature plant
PruningPruning group 11 after flowering
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or layer in early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects if grown under glass
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free