Broad-leaved Sausage Vine

Holboellia latifolia is a vigorous, evergreen climber that is prized for its lush foliage and incredibly fragrant spring flowers. The flowers are small, bell-shaped, and appear in clusters; male flowers are greenish-white while female flowers are Tinged with purple. The scent is reminiscent of gardenias or jasmine and can fill a garden on a warm spring evening. If two different clones are planted together, they may produce edible, sausage-shaped purple fruits in autumn. In the UK, it is reasonably hardy (H4) but should be planted against a warm, sheltered wall in colder areas to protect the early blooms from frost. It is a fast grower, reaching up to 6 metres or more, and is excellent for providing year-round screening on a trellis or pergola. It prefers a moisture-retentive but well-drained soil and will grow in anything from full sun to deep shade, though flowering is best in brighter light.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist but well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Mar, Apr, May.