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Conservatory Greenhouse

Elatostema repens var. pulchrum
  • RHS AGM

trailing watermelon begonia

A trailing evergreen perennial to 10cm high, with purple stems bearing attractive grey-mottled, dark green leaves, veined deeper green, and purple beneath. Flowers insignificant

Other common names
rainbow vine
Synonyms
Pellionia pulchra
Elatostema pulchrum
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Green Grey Silver Purple
Summer Purple Green Green Grey Silver Purple
Autumn Purple Green Grey Silver Purple
Winter Purple Green Grey Silver Purple
Position
  • Full shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Urticaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Trailing
Genus

Elatostema can be perennials or subshrubs, with simple, evergreen leaves which are heavily mottled with silver or bronze, and insignificant greenish flowers

Name status

Correct

Plant range
SE Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Under glass grow in loam-based potting compost in bright, indirect light and shade from hot sun. Water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly when in growth and water moderately in winter. Can be grown outdoors in fertile, humus-rich soil in deep shade

Propagation

Propagate by root cuttings at anytime of year

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Shorten shoots, when in growth, to maintain shape

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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