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This is the Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde of the plant world, reviled in
warmer, wetter parts of the world for its rampant invasion of
forests and pastures and poisoning of cattle, but valued as an
ornamental especially in cooler or drier regions.
The weedy forms produce long scrambling canes and can mound up to 20
ft (6 m) even without trees to climb over, but garden forms are
mostly rounded or spreading shrubs 2-6 ft (0.6-1.8 m) high.
Flowering colors: Cream, Orange, Pink, Red, White, Yellow
Cultivation: These plants prefer fertile, well-drained soil and full
sun. Plants in containers should be top-dressed and watered well
when in full growth, less at other times.
Tip prune young growth to promote a bushy habit and propagate from
cuttings or from seed . They are generally little affected by pests,
but check regularly for white fly and spider mite. |
