Wattakaka sinensis - Chinese Dregea

Wattakaka sinensis is a vigorous climbing plant, very original and uncommon, with large decorative heart-shaped leaves and a fragrant white-pink flowering in June-July.

The voluble stems grow rapidly and cling on their own to a trellis or a tree, reaching a height of 5 to 7 m (16 to 23ft) and a width of 3 m (10ft). The deciduous heart-shaped leaves with undulate margins are opposite and have a tender green upper surface and a greyish downy underside. Attached to the stems by a petiole, they measure 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4in) in length.

The umbels of flowers, 8 to 9 cm (3 to 4in) in diameter, appear in late spring, early summer. They consist of about twenty small waxy flowers with 5 white petals tinged with pink, very delicate in appearance and also fragrant. Some perceive a mixture of privet and orange blossom scents A true pleasure for the senses that also attracts pollinators! The fruits, arranged in pairs, form green horns, 10 cm (4in) long, filled with silky seeds that are carried away by the wind.

You can plant Wattakaka preferably against a sun-exposed wall, sheltered from cold winds. If necessary, prune Wattakaka in late winter to remove dry stems. Its hardiness is -12 to -15°C (10.4 to 5°F), but it is possible to protect the stump with a good mulch to ensure its recovery.