About
A vigorous evergreen shrub to 6m or more, with large, broadly ovate, shallowly lobed leaves and clusters of white flowers 3.5cm across, with red and yellow stamens.
About the genus
Sparrmannia are large evergreen shrubs or small trees, with simple or palmately lobed, ovate leaves and umbels of 4-petalled, white or purple flowers with prominent stamens
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toSouth Africa
ToxicitySkin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): Skin irritant - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass in peat-free, loam-based compost in full light. Grow outdoors in moist but well-drained soil in sheltered frost-free area
PruningPruning group 9
PropagationPropagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free