Distimake spp.

wood rose

Convolvulaceae

Tropical and subtropical Americas and Old World tropics

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 10–11

Overview

Distimake spp. is a genus of about 30 species of twining and climbing vines in the morning-glory family (Convolvulaceae), found across tropical and subtropical regions, with many species in the Americas. The genus was separated from Merremia spp. on the basis of pollen and molecular characters. Stems twine over other plants and supports, reaching 6-30 feet (1.8-9 m) depending on species, and bear alternate leaves that may be entire, lobed, or deeply divided into finger-like segments. Funnel- to bell-shaped flowers, usually white or yellow, open by day and last about a day each, through the warmer months. D. tuberosus, the wood rose, carries yellow flowers and dries to a woody, rose-like seed head used in crafts, and has become an invasive weed in Hawaii and other tropics. Several species twine over and smother shrubs and fences. Capsules split to release a few large seeds.

Native Range

Distimake spp. is widespread in the tropics and subtropics, with a strong concentration of species in the Americas and others in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. Plants grow in forest margins, thickets, savanna, and disturbed ground, mostly in warm, frost-free climates.

Suggested Uses

Ornamental species are grown on trellises, fences, and pergolas for quick warm-season cover and funnel flowers. The dried wood-rose seed heads of D. tuberosus are used in floral crafts, though the plant is avoided where it is invasive.

How to Identify

Recognised by twining stems with funnel- to bell-shaped white or yellow flowers and leaves that range from heart-shaped to palmately lobed or deeply divided. The dried seed head of D. tuberosus forms a woody, rose-like shape. Day-opening funnel flowers and a twining habit place it with the morning glories, while pollen and seed details separate it from Ipomoea spp..

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 30'

Width/Spread3' - 10'

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~16 weeks

Summer

Flowering runs through the warm months, with funnel-shaped flowers opening by day and lasting roughly one day each. In frost-free climates bloom can continue for much of the year. Woody capsules follow and persist on the vine after the flowers fade.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Distimake spp. grows in full sun to part shade in most well-drained soils in warm, frost-free climates, climbing on supports or scrambling over the ground. Plants tolerate heat, humidity, and poor soils, and many grow fast once warm weather arrives. Frost cuts back top growth, and tender species are killed by hard freezes. Several species self-seed and spread strongly, which has made them weeds outside their native range. Support, warmth, and moderate moisture suit fast growth. Little feeding is needed in reasonable soils.

Pruning

Stems can be cut back at any time in mild weather to control size and spread. Spent growth and seed heads are removed before capsules open to limit self-seeding. Where a species is a weed, roots and tubers are dug out because cut stems regrow.