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Climber Wall Shrub

Basella alba

Ceylon spinach

A climbing or scrambling perennial that is grown as a summer annual in Britain. Edible leaves are used in similar ways to spinach. Small white flowers, sometimes with purplish tints, make this an attractive addition to a vegetable garden

Other common names
East Indian spinach
Indian spinach
see moreMalabar nightshade
Malabar spinach
red Malabar nightshade
Synonyms
Basella rubra
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Clay
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral, Acid, Alkaline
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Purple Green
Autumn White Purple Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical details
Family
Basellaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Climbing
Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Plant out after the risk of frost has passed. Fertile, moisture retentive soil in full sun will produce good growth. Harvest young leaves; frequent picking will encourage more growth. Provide support for stems to twine up

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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.