Black bryony
Dioscorea communis · Dioscoreaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around black bryony and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Beaten Women's Herb
- Family
- Dioscoreaceae
- Form
- Perennial climbing plant
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Summer (June to August)
- Hardiness
- Hardy to -10°C
- Adult size
- 2 to 3 m in height
- Origin
- Southern Europe and Mediterranean basin
Care
Exposure
Install your Dioscorea communis in full sun or partial shade to promote beautiful growth and optimal flowering. Avoid areas too exposed to strong winds that can damage the delicate stems.
Watering
Keep the soil moist but well-drained during the growing period (spring-summer). Reduce watering in autumn and stop it in winter, as the plant enters dormancy. Excess water can cause rot in the underground tubers.
Soil
Choose a rich, well-drained and rather loose soil. Adding compost or potting mix at planting facilitates rooting. Avoid overly compact or permanently waterlogged soils.
Pruning and support
Guide the stems onto a support or stake as they grow. In late autumn, after the foliage has dried, cut the aerial parts down to ground level to prepare for winter dormancy.
Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer application in spring supports vegetative growth. Avoid excess nitrogen which would favor foliage at the expense of flowering. A low-nitrogen fertilizer is preferable in late summer.
Diseases and pests
This plant is generally robust and rarely affected by common pests. Watch for rot caused by excessive humidity and ensure good ventilation. Dry mulch in winter protects the underground tubers from intense cold.
Did you know?
The vernacular name 'beaten women's herb' originates from the past: this plant was once attributed supposedly healing properties, and was recommended (mistakenly) as a folk remedy against bruises and wounds. In reality, its traditional use remains poorly documented scientifically, but this colorful name testifies to the richness of popular beliefs surrounding European medicinal plants.
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.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Wild yamDioscorea villosa
- Dioscorea bulbiferaDioscorea bulbifera
- Yellow guinea yamDioscorea cayenensis
- CamelliaCamellia japonica
- Pedunculate oakQuercus robur
- GrapevineVitis vinifera
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.