Overview

Tetragonia expansa is a columnar upright annual biennial in the genus Tetragonia, part of the Aizoaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Tetragonia expansa grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include coastal, patio and container plants and conservatory and greenhouse.

About

Tetragonia expansa, commonly known as Australian spinach or New Zealand spinach, is a deciduous plant with a columnar upright habit. It thrives in full sun and prefers a sheltered position with east, south, or west-facing aspects. This cultivar grows best in fertile, moist but well-drained loam soils of varying pH, including acid, alkaline, and neutral. Hardy to UK zone H3, it is suitable for coastal areas, patios, containers, conservatories, and greenhouses. Propagation is by seed, and it is most notable in spring and summer.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Tetragonia

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H3

Plant details

Tetragonia expansa size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Annual Biennial

Habit

Columnar upright

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Coastal, Patio and container plants, Conservatory and greenhouse

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Tetragonia expansa

Propagation

Seed

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions