Asclepias curassavica
bloodflower
An upright evergreen sub-shrub with lance-shaped leaves and umbel-like terminal clusters of orange-red flowers 2cm across, in summer and autumn, sometimes followed by erect, ovoid fruit 6-8cm in length
Other common names
bastard ipecacuanhabastard pecacuanha
see moreIndian root
matac
matal
red head
wild ipecacuanha
blood flower
swallow wort
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Orange Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Orange Red | Green | Green | |
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Asclepias can be evergreen or deciduous perennials or subshrubs, with simple, entire leaves and umbel-like clusters of small, distinctively shaped flowers followed by paired fruits containing seeds embedded in silky fibres
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow outdoors in fertile well-drained loamy soil in full sun in frost-free area. Under glass grow in loam-based compost. Reduce watering after flowering and keep almost dry in the winter
Propagation
Propagate by seed, division or basal cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Sub-tropical
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly under glass
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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