African Hemp
Sparrmannia africana
Also known as
House Lime, Cape Stock Rose, Cape Hollyhock, Wild Stock Rose
Sparrmannia4 by Martin Bahmann (CC-BY-SA-3.0)
Full Shade
Easy care
Moderate watering
Tender
H5-H1c
RHS hardiness
-15°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
8m | Max | 4m |
4m | Min | 2.5m |
10 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of African Hemp
African Hemp Overview
This species is an evergreen tree or shrub that originates from Africa, also known as African hemp and house lime. Sparrmannia africana brings a lush, leafy look to the garden, and is ideal for shade gardens, shady courtyards, the south side of the house that does not see much sun, or use it to screen a shady boundary wall. This plant produces showy white flowers which measure approximately 3.5cm in width and have colourful red and yellow stamens. Also grown for their oval-shaped, lobed, rough, evergreen foliage. They prefer a sheltered position in full sun with winter protection as they will not survive frosts. It is fast growing, and a useful plant to fill an empty space, fast. Prune to shape. If left unpruned it can become leggy. Prune back hard once a year, in spring, to encourage a dense, bushy habit.
Common problems with African Hemp
Susceptible to fungi on the leaves, place in a well ventilated position, because free air circulation reduces attacks by fungi on the leaves.
How to harvest African Hemp
Generally not harvested.
How to propagate African Hemp
Cuttings
Take semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings in spring or summer, remove at least a third of the leaves and treat with a suitable rooting hormone. Mist sparingly as the leaves don't like too much water.
Seed
Sparrmannia africana is easy to propagate from seed or cuttings. Sow seed in spring or early summer, use a general mix suitable for seedlings and keep warm and moist. Germination takes 14-20 days.
Special features of African Hemp
Attracts useful insects
Attracts bees.
Pot plant
Sparrmannia africana does well in pots, water well in summer. Feed generously or repot every year.
Indoor plant
Can be grown indoors where it needs a well ventilated position in bright light but not direct sun.
Wind break
Hedge plant
Attractive flowers
Flowers are white with a mass of yellow and red-purple stamens in the centre
Other uses of African Hemp
The timber is soft and spongy and of little value, but the plant yields a good fiber. Some people report minor skin irritation when handling the hairy leaves.
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