Names | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Family |
Convolvulaceae (Morning-glory family) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Botanical Name |
Argyreia nervosa | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Synonym(s) |
Convolvulus nervosus Burm. f., Convolvulus speciosusL. f., Rivea nervosa (Burm. f.) Hallier f. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
English Name(s) |
Hawaiian Baby Woodrose (HBWR), Elephant creeper. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chinese Name(s) |
¯ß¸´ÂÃC | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Description | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Size & Growth Habit
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This is a vine that may spread along the ground or climb up by wrapping around a support. They may grow very large, 10+ meters, and could become a weed in warm climates. These plants have a beautiful lush jungle appearance and are great for covering a fence or old shed etc. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Leaves
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Quite large broad heart shaped leaves up to about 30cm, sometimes larger. The leaves are an excellent shade of green and are a lovely backdrop for a tropical styled garden. They will get tattered in high winds or with rough treatment, but still remain beautiful. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stems |
New growth is a light green and always fuzzy. New growth is flexible and wraps itself around support structures, which can be anything, to climb up and out. In age, the stems loose their fuzziness and become woody, sometimes up to 10+cm in diameter. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Roots |
Quite large root masses extend out and down, making in ground planting much more realistic. Pots are seemingly instantly root bound with this specie. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Flowers |
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Fruit/Seed Pods |
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Seeds
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Cultivars & Hybrids
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We are currently cultivating a variegated form of Argyreia nervosa and have now successfully propagated it. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pests & Diseases |
Caterpillars can be a major problem with this specie. We have not noticed any problems with mites, aphids, mealy bugs or other common pests. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cultivation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
By Seed |
Nicking the seed away from the "eye" and soaking in water is recomended. The seed coat is pretty hard and sometimes will not germinate if simply planted. After soaked, plant in any potting soil and keep moist. Humidity tents are not needed but it is a good idea to keep the temperature above 15C. Seedlings sprout rather large and grow quickly. you may sow seeds directly outdoors as long as the local climate/conditions are suitable. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
By Cutting |
Take semi hardwood cuttings with at least one leaf node and dip fresh cut area in rooting hormone. Place in moist soil and put in a humid place (we use humidity tents). Medium lighting seems to work well. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Soil |
Almost any soil is ok for this specie. If your soil is clay, it should probably be loosened up a bit to give the roots a chance to spread out faster. Argyreia nervosa has a VERY large root system and will become root bound incredibly fast. Planting in ground, or in massive pots, is suggested. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Water |
When well established, in the ground, periods of drought are ok. The best idea, whether in pots or the ground, is to keep slightly moist at all times. This plant responds well to constant moisture, but not wet. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Feeding |
Potted plants should be fed every 1-2 months in the growing season with a diluted multi puropse feed. Compost and manure are also great to add to any soil! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Light |
These plants in nature tend to grow in open areas which receive long days of direct sunshine. So long as moisture is available, they should be given the sunniest spot possible. If not possible, they will often spread out to brighter areas on their own. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pruning |
Bounces right back after a HACK job. Usually they are pruned because they become too massive and need to be controlled. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Climate |
Does not tolerate freezing or frosts, places that stay above 3-5C at all times during the year. Colder climates must protect them form cold days/times either by bringing them in, covering them or by greenhouse. Exposed to freezing temps, they will die fairly quick. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other |
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Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distribution |
Native to: Cultivated in: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Related Species |
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Human Uses |
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Chemicals/Activities |
Please note: Some chemicals may not be listed and some may or may not be toxic. Do not consume plants based on this table, it only gives a general idea of *some* of the chemicals this plant contains.
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Links |
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Pictures | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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