| Description: |
Twining climber with slender stems that will grow to about ten feet (300cm) tall if given a support. Clusters of purple flowers are freely produced in late winter and spring. |
| Environment: |
Suitable for the home or a greenhouse |
| Growing Ease: |
Requires a little extra care |
| Lighting Needs: |
Does best in low to bright indirect sunlight coming from the South/East/West |
| Soil Type: |
A GOOD general purpose potting soil (a soil that retains water yet drains well) will suffice. Check purchased soil to see that it is well aerated and add sand or perlite and peat moss if it seems to pack too tightly. Give the plants a chance to settle in before going back to whatever fertilization program has been successful for you. If you want to mix your own take:
1 part garden soil, 1 part coarse sand or perlite, 2 part peat or humus (leaf mold) and a dusting of ground limestone.
Always use a pot with a hole.
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| Watering: |
Keep the soil evenly moist and if you use rainwater, be careful as it could be acidic. Use warm water. |
| Fertilizer: |
Feed every two weeks spring through fall with a water soluble fertilizer. An alternative is a granular slow release fertilizer if applied annually in the early spring. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to none Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Seeds and stem cuttings
in the spring through summer.
It is best to propagate any type of cuttings or seeds in a mixture of moist peat and perlite. Cover the pot and plant with a plastic bag secured by a rubber band to prevent the moisture from escaping. Place in indirect sunlight or under a fluorescent light. Repot in its regular mix after it has been growing for a while.
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| Gardening Tips & Care: |
Needs something to climb or support if it is planted in a pot. Mist frequently with warm water (lime free to avoid leaf staining). Keep cool but ensure it gets good light during the winter months. Prune after flowering.
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