Holboellia coriacea
Leathery holboellia
- Height × spread
- 8m × 5m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Mild winter to -5C (RHS H3)
- Flowers
- Spring
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is grown primarily for its foliage effect. The flowers, borne in spring are small mauve coloured bells and male and female flowers are produced on the same plant, the female flowers being larger and having greenish tints. There are, theoretically, purple sausage shaped fruits up to 6 cm in length afterwards but these are rare in cultivation. The leaves are large, smooth looking and rather leathery. They are carried in threes and are large and oval. They look magnificent when covering a wall, arch or even pergola. This is a twining evergreen and is hardy only in the warmest parts of the country.
- Flower colour
- Mauve, Purple
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Mauve, Purple
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 8m
- Spread
- 5m
- Height in 10 years
- 4m
- Spread in 10 years
- 2m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer
- Flowers in
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Mild winter to -5C (RHS H3)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover
- Walls
- South, West facing
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Winter
Winter - late · Planting
Prune to maintain the plant
Remove and dead or damaged branches or any growth that looks very untidy. Trim the plant back if necessary to keep it within bounds.