Kleinia neriifolia
carnation tree
A succulent perennial, that can reach up to 3m in its native habitat, though is usually much smaller in cultivation. Thick, branching, articulated stems are pale greyish green with fine reddish purple lines, and linear to lance-shaped grey-green leaves cluster in spirals at the stem tips. Clusters of small, scented, white or yellow flowers are produced in summer or autumn, followed by fluffy seed heads
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow White | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Yellow White | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Kleinia are succulent perennials with prostrate or upright, cylindrical or angular stems bearing fleshy, flat or cylindrical leaves and solitary or clustered, thistle-like flowerheads in summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Canary Is
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a free-draining, peat-free, loam-based compost with extra grit, in full light and with good ventilation. Water moderately when in growth. Containers may be placed outdoors in summer but plants will not tolerate frost. Plants may lose leaves in summer, this is an adaptation to limit water loss in the dry season. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown at 13 - 18°C as soon as ripe, or by cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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