Overview
Phytolacca dioica is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Phytolacca, part of the Phytolaccaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Phytolacca dioica grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and clay soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden.
About
Phytolacca dioica, commonly known as ombú in Spanish and umbu in Portuguese, is a massive evergreen tree in the pokeweed family Phytolaccaceae, native to the Pampas of South America. As its specific epithet suggests, it is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants. The flowers are pollinated by the butterfly Doxocopa laurentia. It has an umbrella-like canopy that spreads to a diameter of 12 to 15 m (39 to 49 ft) and can attain a height of 12 to 18 m (39 to 59 ft). Grow it in full sun and partial shade and loam and clay soil. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). It works well for cottage and informal garden. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or part shade.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Phytolacca dioica
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Phytolacca
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Phytolacca dioica size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Phytolacca dioica
- Propagation
- Seed in early spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to virus diseases
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Phytolacca dioica?
Phytolacca dioica prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Phytolacca dioica need?
Phytolacca dioica grows best in loam and clay soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Phytolacca dioica hardy in the UK?
Phytolacca dioica has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Phytolacca dioica?
Seed in early spring.
More in the Phytolacca genus
- Phytolaccapokeweed
- Phytolacca acinosaIndian pokeweed
- Phytolacca esculenta
- Phytolacca icosandra Purpurascens Group
- Phytolacca insularis