Elatostema repens
trailing watermelon begonia
A trailing or creeping evergreen perennial to 10cm in height, with elliptic, dark green leaves marbled with pale green or grey markings above, purple-tinged beneath. Flowers insignificant. An ideal plant for terrariums and bottle gardens
Other common names
watermelon begonia
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical 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
- Tropical 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. An ideal plant for terrariums and bottle gardens
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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