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Conservatory GreenhouseShrubs

Sparrmannia africana
  • RHS AGM

African hemp

S. africana is a vigorous evergreen shrub to 6m or more, with large, broadly ovate, shallowly lobed leaves and clusters of white flowers 3.5cm across, with red and yellow stamens

Other common names
house lime
stock rose

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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red White Yellow Green
Summer Red White Yellow Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical details
Family
Malvaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

Sparrmannia are large evergreen shrubs or small trees, with simple or palmately lobed, ovate leaves and umbels of 4-petalled, white or purple flowers with prominent stamens

Name status

Correct

Plant range
South Africa

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in loam-based compost in full light. Grow outdoors in moist but well-drained soil in sheltered frost-free area

Propagation

Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

Pruning group 9

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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