Cape-ivy
Delairea odorata · Asteraceae
📷 Eric in SF · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant cape-ivy: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Cape Ivy, Fragrant Ivy
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Plant type
- Climbing vine/Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- Autumn to winter (September-February)
- Flowers
- Small yellow flowers, very fragrant
- Hardiness
- Frost-sensitive (Mediterranean climate or houseplant)
- Origin
- South Africa
Care
Light exposure
Place Delairea odorata in bright, indirect light, or gentle sun in mild climates. Indoors, a location near a south or west-facing window is ideal. Avoid deep shade, which slows growth and reduces winter flowering.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season (spring-summer), keeping the substrate lightly moist without excess. In autumn-winter, reduce watering but don't let it dry out completely. Prefer soft water and ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Substrate and soil
Use light, well-draining potting mix enriched with organic matter. A mixture of universal potting soil supplemented with perlite or sand improves aeration. This vine appreciates rich substrate but dislikes standing water.
Pruning and training
Prune regularly in spring to maintain a bushy shape and encourage branching. Pinch young shoots to densify the silhouette. Remove dead or overgrown parts, especially if the plant climbs on a fixed support.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced fertilizer every 15 to 20 days during growth (spring-summer). Reduce fertilizing in autumn-winter to avoid overloading metabolism. Light feeding in autumn can support winter flowering.
Pests and diseases
Watch for spider mites and whiteflies, particularly indoors in heated spaces. Excessive watering or overly humid air favors fungal rot. Ventilate regularly and maintain good foliage hygiene to prevent infestations.
Did you know?
Delairea odorata is named after French botanist Jean-François Delaire, and its scientific name 'odorata' honors its pleasant sweet fragrance, particularly intense in autumn during flowering. This South African vine, long cultivated in Europe as a greenhouse ornamental, is especially renowned in Mediterranean climates for the intoxicating scent it releases in the evening, hence its other common name 'Fragrant Ivy'.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.