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Sarmienta scandens
  • RHS AGM

climbing Chilean pitcher flower

S. repens is a prostrate evergreen perennial with half-woody rooting stems bearing obovate leaves and solitary urn-shaped bright red flowers 2.5cm long in the leaf axils in summer

Other common names
Chilean pitcher flower
Synonyms
Sarmienta repens
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Red Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical details
Family
Gesneriaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus

Sarmienta are creeping epiphytic woody-based perennials with simple, paired leaves and 5-lobed flowers borne in the leaf axils

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Chile

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in 2 parts loamless potting compost and 1 part each fine-grade granulated bark and leafmould, or grow epiphytically. Provide bright, indirect light. Water freely in growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter

Propagation

Propagate by seed, or root stem-tip cuttings in late summer. Separate rooted stems in spring

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

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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