Carol Cloud Bailey
Family
Asclepiadaceae
Botanical Name
CRYPTOSTEGIA grandiflora
Plant Common Name
Palay Rubber Vine
General Description
This glossy, succulent-looking vine was once grown for low quality rubber production but remains in gardens today as a tropical accent. It is native to tropical east Africa where the dry season is long and hot. Rubber vine is naturally drought resistant and offers an excellent choice for water conservation in frost-free, tropical climates. This is a twining vine that produces unique rope-like stems that are filled with white latex sap that can be bothersome to the skin. Leaves are large, oval and glossy, and account for some of this vine’s drought resistance.
Rubber vine blooms over much of the summer, producing large tubular flowers with a flared mouth similar to the trumpet vine. These showy blooms are lilac purple when they open but quickly fade to white as they mature. While this vine is a climber, it can also be cut back to promote more branching to yield a shrub-like shape. It is best to reserve this vine for locations where children and pets are not present.
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam
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Tolerances
Drought, Salt
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Vining/Climbing
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Seasonal Interest
Summer
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Lavender
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Fruit Color
Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Bark Color
Slate Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
