Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Red | Yellow | ||
| Autumn | Green Red | |||
| Winter | Green Red |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Orbea are leafless, clump-forming succulent perennials, the fleshy stems with large teeth on the angles, and showy, funnel-shaped, unpleasantly scented flowers in summer and autumn
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- South Africa (Northern Cape, Eastern Cape)
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in standard cactus compost, topdressed with grit. Provide low humidity, with bright filtered light in summer, full light in winter. From spring until early autumn water moderately, applying a low-nitrogen fertiliser every 4-5 weeks. Keep dry at other times, but water sparingly on warm winter days to prevent shrivelling
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 18-24°C in spring. Take stem segment cuttings in spring and summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to stem rot if overwatered
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.