Medicinal Uses

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers | Edible Uses: Flowers - raw[K]. The flowers are up to 6cm in diameter[219]. A mild flavour with a slight sweetness and pleasant mucilaginous texture[K].

Cultivation

Requires a sunny position or part day shade in a fertile well-drained soil[200]. Dislikes drought[200]. This species is only hardy in the mildest areas of Britain, tolerating temperatures down to between -5 to -10°c when given the protection of a south or south-west facing wall[11, 200]. It is probably hardier than either of its parents[11]. Plants are often deciduous in cold winters[219]. A deep mulch in winter and tying in growth to the wall will maximise protection in winter[200]. If the plant is cut back by cold weather, it will normally resprout from the base in the spring and can flower on the current year's growth[202]. Plants grow very rapidly for their first few years and need staking if they are not in a sheltered position[11]. Plants tend to be short-lived in Britain, dying suddenly without any apparent cause. This is probably because they flower so profusely that they die of exhaustion[11]. Dead-heading plants to prevent seeding can enhance longevity[200]. Tip-prune young plants to promote a bushy habit, older plants can be cut back hard annually in spring if required[200]. There are some named forms, selected for their ornamental value[11, 200]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

Known Hazards

None known

Habitats

Not known in the wild.