Strophanthus - Plant Encyclopedia Results

A group of tropical plants belonging to the dogbane family, native to Africa and Asia. Seeds of the handsome climber Strophanthus gratus and Strophanthus kombe yield a poison, strophantin, which is used on arrowheads in hunting, and in medicine as a heart stimulant.

These frost-tender plants prefer a protected, part-shaded position and fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil.

Exotic species of Strophanthus:

Strophanthus bovinii

Strophanthus caudatus

Strophanthus gratus

Strophanthus hispidus

Strophanthus kombe

Strophanthus petersianus - Sand Forest Poison Rope, scrambling shrub, creamy white flowers, pinkish red on outside, dangling petal lobes.

Strophanthus preussii

Strophanthus speciosus

Strophanthus wallichii

Strophanthus wallichii is a perennial vine or creeper, native to Indian subcontinent. It is an ethnomedical plant, commonly used in traditional medicine in India. The plant has long, dark green leaves and its bark is light red-brown in color. The bright red and crimson, vinous flowers sprout from the twig ends of the vines in February-March.

This plant is best suited to growing in a pot and prefers a sunny or semi-shaded position. It grows very well in USDA Zone 9-11. It is a fairly drought-tolerant plant but regular watering is recommended during the summer months.

If you are growing Strophanthus wallichii in a pot in a region where the temperature falls to low levels, then it is important to take extra care when caring for the plant. Make sure the pot has adequate drainage, as this will help in keeping the root system of the plant protected in cold weather. When the temperature falls below 40Fs, it is important to provide some protection to the plant by moving it to a location with better protection from cold winds.

Regular pruning of the plant is recommended not just to ensure optimal growth, but also to help keep the size of the vine from becoming too large. Strophanthus wallichii responds well to fertilizer, so it is recommended to give the plant a dose of fertilizer every 3 months or so.

Overall, Strophanthus wallichii is a beautiful and rewarding plant to have in your garden. With the right care, it will bring its vibrant red, crimson and vinous flowers to life and help create a stunning display in your garden.

Very unusual strophanthus with orange-brown flowers that look like carved out of wood with petals curled like a wooden shavings. This flower is very unique, looking almost artificial. Bright orange twisted petals with yellow margins indeed look like fancy wood shavings. Very rare plant in cultivation, and hard to propagate. Spectacular eye stopper, it is in bloom 2-3 times a year! Drought tolerant, takes both full sun or shade. Compact shrub in container, can be trained into a small tree. Leaves are leathery and dark green with white veins, and light green when young.

Learn more: How to get Strophanthus tree to bloom?

A large shrub or vine growing 5-10 feet tall, Strophanthus caudatus (Medusa Gorgona) is a tropical beauty with very unique, showy foliage and flowers. Native to Asia, it is a striking, fast-growing perennial with lush, rambling branches, adorned with large glossy green leaves, that twine and ramble along the ground and climb in the direction they are supported. To the observer, its vinous-red flowers are quite stunning, with their star-shaped petals dispersing outward from the center of the bloom. At the tip of each petal, an exotic red tendril twirls around and adds an extra special, and almost mesmerizing, charisma.

Strophanthus caudatus (Medusa Gorgona) needs full sun or semi-shade and regular water to thrive. It is cold hardy and can survive temperatures as low as 30F for a short period of time, making it a great choice for gardeners growing in USDA Zone 9-10. For colder regions, it can be grown in a pot and brought indoors during extreme cold spells.

The tropical beauty of Strophanthus caudatus (Medusa Gorgona) is worth the extra care it needs to keep it looking healthy. With its showy flowers, unique foliage, and cold hardiness, this is a great choice for gardeners looking for an exotic and vibrant addition to their garden. For best results, provide a rich, well-draining soil in full sun or semi-shade, and water regularly. Fertilize once a month during the growing season and trim occasionally to remove dead or damaged branches. If grown in a pot, make sure the container is large enough for the shrub and provide regular water. During cold winter months, move the pot indoors or provide more protection from cold temperatures. With a bit of love and care, this tropical Asian beauty will lend an element of exotic flair to your garden.

Strophanthus gratus (Climbing oleander) is a fast-growing vine or creeper that is native to West Africa. Grown in USDA Zones 9-11, it requires full sun to semi-shade, regular water and prefers a fertile, humus-rich soil with good drainage. The pink flowers are especially attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, and boast a wonderfully fragrant scent. The flowers add texture to the gardens and create a stunning display.

In cold regions it is important to take precautions when growing Strophanthus gratus in a pot. The mature plant is cold hardy to at least to 30s F for a short period of time. However, if in doubt, it's best to move the potted plant inside during freezes.

With proper care and attention, Strophanthus gratus will be an attractive addition to your garden.

Growth and Plant Care: Placed in the right conditions, this semi-tender deciduous perennial vine is relatively easy to care for and maintain. Strophanthus preussii - commonly known as the Medusa-Flower plant - is a climber or creeper mature plant that grows anywhere between 5 to 10 feet high and prefers to be planted in USDA Zones 10 to 11. To thrive, this large shrub requires to be planted in semi-shade and needs regular watering. The Medusa-FLower Plant is attractive for its off-white and vinous reddish-crimson flowers that also have a sweet, delicate fragrance. This deciduous plant can also attract hummingbirds, butterflies and other wildlife, given the right conditions. The mature plants are also moderate to good cold hardy and can withstand temperatures at least down to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, though these plants may drop its leaves during cold season.

For those growing Medusa-Flower plants in a pot or container in cold regions, the plants need to be placed in a sheltered area, such as a porch or conservatory and supplied with extra mulch and insulation during the winter months. Furthermore, the container must provide sufficient drainage and be placed in semi-shade to protect roots from direct sunlight, especially during extreme temperatures. Regular watering is also key, but one should make sure to not over-water the plant or leave waterlogged soil in the pot. Also, feeding the Medusa-Flower is essential and can be done either prior to or shortly after flowering season.

Rare rambling or vining evergreen shrub with clusters of unusual starfish-shaped flowers, sweetly scented.