Periploca laevigata
Care, watering, light and tips for Periploca laevigata on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Periploca laevigata
Periploca laevigata, commonly known as Cornical, is a medium-sized evergreen shrub or climber, native to the Canary Islands and Northwest Africa. It is characterized by its smooth, flexible stems, bright green lanceolate leaves, and small, star-shaped, inconspicuous greenish or yellowish flowers. It is an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens in warm climates, rockeries, or as a groundcover in arid areas.
Native range
Canary Islands and North Africa
Care tips
It prefers full sun exposure and tolerates drought well once established, although occasional watering in summer will encourage flowering. It needs well-drained soil, preferably sandy or stony, and does not tolerate waterlogging. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot; it is better to underwater than overwater. It is resistant to salinity and wind, making it ideal for coastal areas.
How to save a dying Periploca laevigata
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or sudden leaf drop, soft or dry stems, no new shoots.
- First aid
- Check watering (dry or waterlogged soil), move to indirect light, prune dry or damaged stems.
- What kills it
- Overwatering (root rot) or prolonged drought (dehydration). Sensitive to frost.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't completely rotted and green stems remain. Act quickly.