About
A vigorous twining evergreen perennial to up to 6m, with slender twining stems bearing glossy green narrowly ovate leaves and small clusters of funnel-shaped, bright yellow flowers marked with orange in throat.
About the genus
Gelsemium are twining evergreen perennials with simple, paired leaves and fragrant, funnel-shaped flowers that maybe solitary or in small clusters in spring and summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Climber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens
Native toUSA
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (poultry): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full or bright filtered light with shade from hot sun. Water freely when in growth applying a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter. Can be grown outdoors in milder areas in most moderately fertile soils but will require protection from cold drying winds
PruningPruning group 12, after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 13 to 18°C in spring or take semi-hardwood cuttings with bottom heat in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free