Scrambling Lily
Geitonoplesium cymosum
Family: Philesiaceae
What it is like
Geitonoplesium cymosum is an evergreen Perennial Climber growing to 4 m (13ft 1in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 4
Where it is found
Moist eucalyptus forests, sparse rainforests and creek banks.
Australia - New South Wales.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Young shoots - cooked. They make a fine substitute for asparagus.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The stems of the plant are used as rough ropes.
Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Prefers a humus-rich loamy soil. There is very little information about growing this plant in Britain but it succeeds in most soils when grown in a shady position in Australian gardens. It is likely to require a sunny sheltered position in this country. This species requires greenhouse protection in Britain. The plants are hardy to at least -7°c in Australian gardens but this cannot be translated directly to British gardens due to our cooler summers plus our longer, colder and wetter winters. The plants produce new growth from a tuberous rootstock, and it is most likely that this root is hardier than the top-growth. It would therefore be worthwhile giving a good protective mulch to the roots over the winter to increase the chances of the plants survival. A climbing plant, supporting itself by twining around the thin branches of other plants. The flowers, which are borne in terminal cymes, are sweetly scented.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Germination is sporadic and some seed can take more than 12 months. Pot up the plants when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first 2 winters. If trying them outdoors, plant them out in early summer and give some winter protection for their first year or two. Division.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.
Habit: Perennial Climber
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist