Rhoicissus capensis

RHS Plant Profile
Cape grape

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Synonyms

Cissus capensis

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Climber Wall Shrub

An evergreen climber to 5m, clinging by tendrils, with leathery, rounded or kidney-shaped, glossy dark green leaves to 20cm across, the margins sinuately toothed. Flowers inconspicuous; berries dark red

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–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
Vitaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Climbing
Genus
Rhoicissus can be evergreen tendril-climbers or trees, with simple or palmate leaves and insignificant greenish-yellow flowers in clusters, followed by red or purple berries
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a heated greenhouse or in the house in a pea-free, loam-based compost, in full light. Water freely while the plant is in growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser once a month. In winter, water sparingly

Propagation

Propagate by seed in spring in temperatures of 13°C (55°F). Take semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in early summer or propagate by layering in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants

Pruning

Pruning group 11

Pests

Glasshouse red spider mite may be a problem

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews