Ercilla volubilis

RHS Plant Profile
entwining ercilla

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entwining ercilla RHS

Synonyms

Bridgesia spicata
Ercilla spicata

Climber Wall Shrub
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A self-clinging climber growing as a dense mass of slender, very leafy stems, to 6m. Flowers are small, purplish white, borne in dense, stalkless spikes to 3.5cm long

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–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)
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Phytolaccaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Climbing
Genus
Ercilla are evergreen climbers, supporting themselves by aerial roots. The simple, roundish-ovate leaves are dark green, leathery, sometimes shining. Flowers small, whitish, produced in spring
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Chile

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, with protection from cold, drying winds. Tie in to a support until the adhesive roots become established and can support the mature plant

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or layer in early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Banks and slopes
  • Wall side borders
  • Ground cover

Pruning

Pruning group 11 after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects if grown under glass

Diseases

Generally disease-free