Overview

Stephania rotunda is a plant with a columnar upright habit in the genus Stephania, part of the Menispermaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Stephania rotunda grows best in full sun, partial shade and full shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include architectural, city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and hedging and screens.

About

Stephania rotunda is a columnar upright evergreen cultivar of the Stephania genus, belonging to the Menispermaceae family. It thrives in a variety of light conditions, from full sun to full shade, and is suitable for all garden aspects and exposures. This hardy plant, rated H7 for UK conditions, prefers fertile, well-drained soils including chalk, clay, loam, and sand with a range of pH levels. It is ideal for architectural features, city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, as well as flower borders, hedging, and screens, offering interest in spring and summer. Propagation is achieved through semi-hardwood cuttings or grafting.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Stephania

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade, Full shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Stephania rotunda size, habit and characteristics

Habit
Columnar upright
Foliage
Evergreen
Suggested uses
Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Hedging and screens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Stephania rotunda

Propagation
Semi-hardwood cuttings, Grafting
Pest resistance
Tortrix moth, Vine weevil, Gall mites, Scale insects
Disease resistance
Phytophthora root diseases, Honey fungus

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Stephania rotunda?

Stephania rotunda prefers full sun, partial shade and full shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Stephania rotunda need?

Stephania rotunda is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

Is Stephania rotunda hardy in the UK?

Stephania rotunda has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Stephania rotunda?

Semi-hardwood cuttings, Grafting.