Overview
Hoya parasitica var. citrina is a climbing, trailing climber wall shrub in the genus Hoya, part of the Apocynaceae family, with evergreen, semi-succulent foliage. Hoya parasitica var. citrina grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include houseplants, conservatories and greenhouses.
About
A climbing, trailing semi-succulent evergreen in the Apocynaceae, Hoya parasitica var. citrina suits conservatory and indoor culture. It carries fleshy, persistent leaves and performs as a climber or trailing vine. Provide full sun in a well-drained, neutral loam on a south- or west-facing, sheltered aspect. It flowers in the UK from June to September.
About the genus
Hoya is a genus of over 500 species of plants in the dogbane family, Apocynaceae, commonly known as waxflowers. Plants in the genus Hoya are mostly epiphytic or lithophytic vines, rarely subshrubs, with leathery, fleshy or succulent leaves, shortly tube-shaped or bell-shaped flowers with five horizontally spreading lobes, the flowers in umbels or racemes, and spindle-shaped or cylindrical to oval follicles containing flattened egg-shaped to oblong seeds.
Wikipedia contributors, "Hoya (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hoya (plant)
In the garden
Hoya parasitica var. citrina belongs to the Apocynaceae and grows as a climbing or trailing semi-succulent suited to glasshouses and indoor cultivation. As a conservatory or greenhouse subject, or as a houseplant, it keeps evergreen, semi-succulent foliage that responds well to bright, sunny exposure. It is classed H2, so it should be treated as half-hardy and kept out of prolonged frost. Position it where it receives full sun and where air is sheltered; south- or west-facing aspects are appropriate. Plant in a neutral loam that drains freely — avoid waterlogged conditions — and allow the root zone to remain aerated so the semi-succulent leaves do not sit in excess moisture. Regular inspection of drainage and the container or bed will help prevent root issues in cooler months. Use it in conservatories, greenhouses or as a trained indoor climber on a support; it can also be moved outside into a sheltered, sunny spot for the summer months. For flowering reward, provide steady bright light and a sheltered situation: in the UK it reliably flowers from June to September when given those conditions.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hoya
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
Hoya parasitica var. citrina size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
- Habit
- Climbing, Trailing
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Semi-succulent
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, Conservatories, Greenhouses
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hoya parasitica var. citrina
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings, Layering
- Pest resistance
- Mealybugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Hoya parasitica var. citrina?
Hoya parasitica var. citrina prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Hoya parasitica var. citrina need?
Hoya parasitica var. citrina grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Hoya parasitica var. citrina hardy in the UK?
Hoya parasitica var. citrina has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.
How do I propagate Hoya parasitica var. citrina?
Semi-hardwood cuttings, Layering.
