About
Stapelianthus madagascariensis is a clump-forming succulent perennial from Madagascar producing angular, leafless, fleshy stems and small, intricate star-shaped flowers with fringed or hairy patterning, often unpleasantly scented to attract pollinating flies, in summer. An ornamental curiosity for a warm glasshouse or sunny windowsill.
About the genus
Staphylea are deciduous shrubs or small trees producing hanging clusters of bell- or cup-shaped, white, cream or pink flowers, followed by bladder-like, two- or three-lobed fruit
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
Native toE North America
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningSee pruning group 1 or 2
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn. Take greenwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer, both with bottom heat
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free