Hoya carnosa 'Exotica' (v)

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wax plant 'Exotica'

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A slow-growing, semi-succulent, evergreen vine bearing opposite pairs of yellow-flushed, pink-variegated leaves to 8cm long. From spring to autumn it produces domed clusters of fragrant, waxy, star-shaped flowers with red centres

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or 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)
H2

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Apocynaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Trailing, Climbing
Genus
Hoya are evergreen perennials, often twining climbers, with simple, leathery leaves and often fragrant flowers with 5 spreading waxy petals, followed by slender, spindle-shaped pods contained small seeds in copious silky floss
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a fast-draining, peat-free, loam-based compost with added extra organic matter. Position in bright, indirect light with shade from hot sun. In growth, water moderately and apply a balanced liquid feed monthly; keep just moist in winter. Hoyas resent repotting and can stay in the same pot for many years. See hoya cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by layering in spring or summer; root semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Houseplants
  • Hanging Basket
  • Sub-tropical
  • Low Maintenance
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

See pruning group 11, after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free