Geitonoplesium spp.

scrambling lily

Asphodelaceae

Eastern Australia, New Guinea, Southeast Asia, and the western Pacific

Attracts Pollinators Container Friendly

SunPart Shade – Full Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 10–11

Overview

Geitonoplesium spp. is a genus in the family Asphodelaceae containing a single widespread species, Geitonoplesium cymosum, known as scrambling lily. It is an evergreen climber with wiry, much-branched twining stems that scramble over shrubs and into the lower canopy, reaching 6-20 feet (1.8-6 m) where support allows. The glossy, lance-shaped leaves are 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) long and arranged alternately along the thin stems. In spring loose branched clusters of small six-parted flowers open in white, green, or purplish tones, each about 0.4 inch (10 mm) across, followed by shiny black berries 0.3-0.5 inch (8-12 mm) wide. Young shoots are tender and have been eaten cooked like asparagus. The plant grows in rainforest margins, wet eucalypt forest, and shaded gullies from eastern Australia through New Guinea to the western Pacific. Its twining habit means it needs a host or trellis, and without support it forms a low tangled mound. The smooth stems separate it from the similar Eustrephus latifolius, which has rough stems.

Native Range

Geitonoplesium spp. is native to eastern Australia, New Guinea, parts of Southeast Asia, and islands of the western Pacific. It grows in rainforest, moist eucalypt forest, and shaded gullies, often along forest edges and clearings.

Suggested Uses

Grown on trellises, fences, and pergolas and as a light screen in shaded, frost-free gardens. It is planted in rainforest and bush-regeneration settings as a native climber. The young shoots are used as a cooked vegetable in some regions.

How to Identify

Look for a slender twining climber with wiry, branching stems and glossy, alternate lance-shaped leaves 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) long. Branched clusters of small six-tepalled white to purplish flowers appear in spring, followed by glossy black berries. The smooth stems separate it from the similar-looking Eustrephus latifolius, which has rough stems.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 20'

Width/Spread3' - 6'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Spring

Flowering occurs in spring, generally September to November in the southern hemisphere, in open branched sprays at the stem tips. The small six-parted flowers nod on slender stalks. Shiny black berries develop through summer.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white, green, purplish

Foliage Description

glossy green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

Requires 2-6 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 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

The plant grows in part shade to full shade in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil, reflecting its rainforest-margin origins. It needs a trellis, fence, or host shrub to climb, and twines as it ascends. Steady moisture suits it during the growing season, though established plants tolerate short dry spells in shade. Hardiness is limited to frost-free and near-frost-free climates, roughly USDA zones 10 to 11. Propagation is from fresh seed or division of the rhizome. The species has no major pest problems in cultivation.

Pruning

Stems are trimmed at any time to control spread and to untangle growth from its support. Cutting back hard rejuvenates the wiry stems, which reshoot from the base and rhizome. Removing older tangled growth keeps the climber open.