Description
Jiaogulan Plants & Cuttings – Gynostemma pentaphyllum
Grow your own Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum), an attractive climbing herb native to mountainous and forested regions of Asia. Jiaogulan is a vigorous perennial vine with a long history of traditional use in China and other parts of Asia.
Jiaogulan belongs to the cucumber family, Cucurbitaceae. It produces attractive green foliage and has a naturally vigorous climbing habit, making it well suited to growing along trellises, fences or other supports.
In China, Jiaogulan has traditionally been valued as an important herbal plant and is sometimes known as the “Herb of Immortality”. It has been used in traditional herbal practices for generations.
Growing Jiaogulan
Jiaogulan grows well in the New Zealand climate when given suitable conditions. It prefers a sheltered position with good light and protection from harsh weather.
Choose a position with part shade and nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Jiaogulan appreciates regular moisture, particularly while young plants are becoming established. Water when needed, but avoid allowing the soil to remain waterlogged.
As a climbing vine, Jiaogulan benefits from support. A trellis, fence or other suitable structure gives the plant room to climb and allows the foliage to spread naturally.
Jiaogulan is relatively cold tolerant once established, but heavy frosts can damage the plant. In colder areas, choose a sheltered position and provide additional protection during severe frosts.
Propagating Jiaogulan from Cuttings
Jiaogulan is easy to propagate from cuttings under suitable conditions.
Place the bottom quarter of a healthy cutting in clean water, leaving the remaining foliage above the water. Keep the cutting somewhere with good indirect light and change the water regularly to keep it fresh.
Roots will often begin to develop within a couple of weeks. Once the roots are more than 1 cm long, carefully plant the cutting into nutrient-rich, well-drained soil.
Keep the newly planted cutting moist while it becomes established. Once it begins producing fresh growth, gradually allow it to settle into its growing position.
Jiaogulan Plants & Cuttings
Our Jiaogulan is available as established plants and cuttings, giving you two convenient options for growing this traditional Asian herb.
Established plants provide the quickest way to add Jiaogulan to your garden. Cuttings offer a simple way to propagate new plants and are an economical option for gardeners who enjoy growing their own plants.
Allow young plants time to establish before harvesting. We recommend waiting until the plant has reached at least 30–50 cm in height before harvesting foliage.
Jiaogulan Plant Information
Botanical name: Gynostemma pentaphyllum
Common names: Jiaogulan, Gynostemma, “Herb of Immortality”
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Plant type: Perennial climbing vine
Growing conditions: Part shade, nutrient-rich well-drained soil
Forms available: Plants and cuttings
Jiaogulan is an attractive and vigorous addition to the home garden. With suitable support, regular moisture and protection from heavy frosts, it can thrive in many parts of New Zealand.
