Ceropegia linearis subsp. woodii
hearts on a string
An evergreen tuberous perennial with long trailing stems to 1m or more, bearing small, heart-shaped, grey-patterned leaves purple beneath, and lantern-shaped pink and purple tubular flowers 2cm long
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green Grey Silver Purple | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Purple Pink | Green Grey Silver Purple | ||
Autumn | Green Grey Silver Purple | |||
Winter | Green Grey Silver Purple |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Trailing
- Genus
Ceropegia can be evergreen or semi-evergreen, erect, climbing to trailing, usually succulent, perennials with opposite leaves and curioously shaped flowers in summer, sometimes followed by cylindrical fruits containing silky tufted seeds
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Zimbabwe to S Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in cactus compost. Water moderately when in growth and apply a low nitrogen liquid fertiliser 2 or 3 times. Keep plants dry at other times
Propagation
Propagate by seed at 19-24°C (66-75°F) in early spring or propagate from stem bulbils. Alternatively take stem cuttings, 10-15cm (4-6in) long in early summer, root in a cactus compost at 22-25°C (72-77°F), and keep moist
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Vulnerable to mealybugs, aphids and scale insects
Diseases
Vulnerable to basal rot if too wet in winter
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.