About
A shrubby perennial with a short stout caudex and branched fleshy, spiny stems bearing leathery 3 or 5-lobed leaves, whitish beneath, clustered at the tips, and small bright scarlet flowers in branched terminal clusters in summer.
About the genus
Jatropha can be perennials or evergreen shrubs, often forming a stout, succulent caudex, with simple lobed or finely divided leaves and small flowers in summer, either solitary or in cymes
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toC America
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in two parts peat-free, loam-based compost and one part each of leafmould and grit. Provide full light with some protection from hot sun. Water moderately during the growing season and keep dry in the autumn and winter
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in spring or summer at 24C (75F)
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free