About
Hippocratea obtusifolia is an evergreen shrub or climber from tropical Africa and Asia producing the characteristic leathery leaves and small flowers of the genus. An ornamental plant for a sheltered, sunny garden or heated greenhouse.
About the genus
Hippocratea are shrubs and lianas from tropical Africa and Asia in the celastraceae family, producing leathery leaves and small flowers. Grown in frost-free gardens and heated glasshouses.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeAquatic
HabitColumnar upright, Bushy, Submerged
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationPlant directly into pond edges, or into baskets of aquatic compost topped with aquatic gravel, with the crown up to 15cm below the water's surface. Thrives in sun or partial shade. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free