Sarmienta scandens

RHS Plant Profile
climbing Chilean pitcher flower

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climbing Chilean pitcher flower RHS

Other common names

Chilean pitcher flower

Synonyms

Sarmienta repens

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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

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H1C

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Gesneriaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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 peat-free 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