Silver Pink Hoya

Silver Pink Hoya (Hoya pubicalyx 'Silver Pink') is a climbing and trailing wax flower with fleshy, pointed leaves that are flecked silver white on top and a fresher apple green underneath. Big rounded heads of pink, star shaped, waxy flowers open along the stems. In a pot or basket it reaches 2m to 3m in length but only 20cm across.

Why you'll love it

• Silver speckled leaves. Each pointed, fleshy leaf is freckled silver white on top, so the plant looks good all year, not just in flower.
• Pink flower clusters. Big rounded heads of waxy pink stars open along the stems, and they are rich in nectar.
• Two names, one plant. It is sold under both Silver Pink and Pink Silver, and the plants are identical.
• Flexible placement. Cooler states can grow it in a bright room or conservatory, while subtropical gardens can grow it outdoors.
• Slim and trailing. At only 20cm across it fits baskets, narrow corners and trellises.

Where it works best

Hanging baskets. Plant one to a basket in a free draining mix and let the silver leaves trail. A bright, filtered position shows the speckling best.

Trellis and supports. In a frost free subtropical garden, train it up a trellis in dappled light, spacing plants 50cm apart.

Indoors in cooler states. Grow it in a bright room or conservatory, keeping it above 5 degrees Celsius.

Growing Silver Pink Hoya in Australia

Position and climate. It likes bright or filtered light, indoors or in the garden. It is a plant for frost free locations, so outdoors means subtropical gardens and cooler states grow it inside. In far north Queensland the warm winters can mean fewer flowers. In its native Philippines it can reach 6m, but it stays smaller in a pot.

Soil. Use an open, free draining mix of compost and orchid bark. In the wild hoyas perch in tree branches, so avoid heavy soil.

Water and feed. Err on the dry side, particularly in cooler months when growth slows. Mist now and then if the air is dry. A cooler winter position seems to help trigger flowers once summer warmth returns.

Pruning. Prune only to tidy long stems, and leave the old flower spurs in place for next season's blooms.

What to expect when it arrives

Silver Pink Hoya is sold as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small, and this is a steady rather than fast climber, so expect a season or two of growth before it flowers.

Our grower supplies the tube stock, and supply is not always steady. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Indoor plants
• Indoor exotic plants guide
• Indoor flowering plants
• Climbing plants for trellises

Common questions

Is Silver Pink the same as Pink Silver?

Yes. Both names refer to the same plant, so you will find it listed either way.

How big will it get?

Expect 2m to 3m of stem in a pot or basket and about 20cm across. In its native Philippines it can grow to 6m.

Will it cope with cold?

Not with frost. Keep it above 5 degrees Celsius, growing it indoors or in a conservatory in cooler states.