About
The thistle-like flowers are egg-yolk yellow, with a purple calyx, appearing mostly in winter. A sprawling, woody-based, evergreen perennial to about 1m tall, though it can reach 3m if supported. The dark green leaves and stems are clothed in bright purple hairs, especially on the undersides.
About the genus
Gynura are evergreen perennials and sub-shrubs, some scrambling or trailing, with toothed leaves. The orange or yellow flowers have no ray florets
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeHouseplants, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitClimbing
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Care notes
CultivationGrow indoors in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright, filtered light. Train up a support, or pinch out shoots to keep more compact and encourage new shoots
PruningNo pruning required. Cut back in spring or summer if plant becomes too large
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in late spring, or semi-ripe cuttings in summer, both with bottom heat
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free