About
Deciduous to semi-evergreen, woody climber with prickly stems to about 6m or more tall and glossy vivid green ovate leaves, heart-shaped at the base, 18cm long, Round, pale yellowish-green to bronze, summer flowers are followed by blue-black to black fruits in autumn.
About the genus
A large genus of around 300 to 350 evergreen and deciduous species of shrub, found in tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world. They form very dense thickets of spiny stems, with heart-shaped green foliage and greenish-white flowers which appear in May and June. Pollinated plants produce bright, round blue-red berries that ripen in the autumn
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitTrailing
FoliageDeciduous, Semi evergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained soil in sun or part shade, needs support
PruningPruning group 11 after flowering, care necessary to avoid prickly stems
PropagationPropagate by seed in autumn, or by division in autumn or spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free