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GENERAL
Origin
:
Mediterranean,
sub-tropical,
tropical
Vigour
:
fast growing
Humidity
:
semi-humid, very
humid
Propagation :
layer, cuttings
Maintenance :
moderate
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
medium
Salinity/ppm :
low (700 ppm)
Hardiness
:
+3°C
SHAPE
Type
:
climbers
Height
:
2 m
Spread
:
4 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
blue
Size
:
3 cm
Period
:
January -
December
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
capsule
Fruit size
:
0.5 cm
This fast-growing, freely flowering climber is an easily maintained vine, originating in tropical
America. It is now seen in Arriyadh’s gardens, where it has proven to be resilient to the strong sun,
and makes a very attractive plant for covering fences and trellises. Its twining stems are relatively
thin; the lush shiny, green leaves are small and heart-shaped with pointed tips. It bears smallish,
brilliant blue flowers for most of the year, which are bell-shaped with a lighter coloured throat
and produced in clusters at the ends of stalks. J. penthanta requires full sun or partial shade, and
prefers fertile, non-saline sandy soils that are well drained. Its somewhat fragile stems necessi-
tate wind protection. This scrambling vine is not drought-tolerant or frost-tolerant, and needs
regular irrigation. Propagation is by cuttings or by layering. It is not prone to insect infestations.
As a creeper with controllable growth and neat appearance, only occasional light trimming is
necessary. Heavier pruning will encourage new growth and produce flowers on new branches. It
will grow well in a container and the beauty of its blossom is best admired on a shade structure
or trellis.
170
Jacquemontia pentantha,
Convolvulaceae
Jacquemontia