A well- behaved red-flowered climber

摘要

FEW red-flowered climbers can be readily cultivated, so it is not surprising that Marianthus erubescens (Syn. Billardiera erubescens), the red-flowered marianthus, is a popular garden plant for those familiar with its beauty and usefulness. It is a slender climber of 3-5m tall, which does not become rampant so does not need constant pruning to restrict its growth. The somewhat shiny dark green leaves are 2-4cm long by about 1cm, across and new stems can be somewhat reddish. Flowering is during spring to early autumn when tubular red flowers to about 2.5cm long with flared tips are produced in clusters along the branches. Seeds are produced in a flattish capsule. This climber occurs naturally in the sandy heathlands of south-western Western Australia, and grows well in cultivation in well-drained soils with a sunny location.