Overview

Physostigma venenosum is a plant with a climbing habit in the genus Physostigma, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Physostigma venenosum grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1a. Suggested uses include ornamental. It is native to Democratic Republic of the Congo and Guinée Forestière.

About

Physostigma venenosum is a climbing legume in the Fabaceae, valued for its vigorous twining habit and summer flowers. It is a deciduous climber native to parts of west-central Africa. Plant where it receives full sun on a sheltered, south-facing aspect and keep the soil a moist but well-drained neutral loam. Flowering occurs from July to September in the UK.

About the genus

Physostigma is a genus of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae. It includes five species of erect or climbing herbs and subshrubs native to sub-Saharan Africa. They grow in tropical swamp and riverine vegetation and seasonally-dry forest, open woodland, and grassland in the Guineo-Congolian and Zambezian regions.

Wikipedia contributors, "Physostigma", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Physostigma

In the garden

A member of the Fabaceae, Physostigma venenosum originates from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Guinée Forestière and grows as a climbing, deciduous perennial. In the UK it should be treated as a tender plant (hardiness H1a), so provide frost-free conditions or winter protection rather than planting it permanently exposed to winter weather. Give the plant full sun in a sheltered, south-facing position. It prefers a neutral loam that remains moist but drains freely; avoid waterlogged ground. Shelter from harsh winds is important because the exposure should be protected to prevent damage to shoots and flowers. As an ornamental climber it suits training over a sunny wall, trellis or within a conservatory where you can control frost risk and moisture. Expect flowering in July to September, when the racemes provide the season’s display. Because it is deciduous, stems and framework remain visible once leaves fall, so plan support accordingly to show the structure through winter rather than relying on evergreen cover.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Physostigma

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H1a

Plant details

Physostigma venenosum size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Climbing

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Ornamental

Native to

Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinée Forestière

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Physostigma venenosum

Propagation

Seed, softwood cuttings

Pest resistance

Susceptible to red spider mite

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions