Climbing ylang-ylang (karawek) Artabotrys hexapetalus
Climbing ylang-ylang (karawek) (Artabotrys hexapetalus) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Annonaceae family, native to India and Sri Lanka to southern China and Indochina. It grows 3–8 m (10–26 ft) tall and 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 2 m (6.6 ft) apart.
Plan Climbing ylang-ylang (karawek) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Climbing ylang-ylang (karawek) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Annonaceae |
| Mature height | 3–8 m (10–26 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 2 m (6.6 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 13–26 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | India and Sri Lanka to southern China and Indochina |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇮🇳 India, 🇨🇳 China, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Climbing ylang-ylang (karawek) toxic?
- People: not well documented
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
No reliable toxicity data.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Climbing ylang-ylang (karawek)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Climbing ylang-ylang (karawek)
- How far apart should I plant Climbing ylang-ylang (karawek)?
- About 2 m (6.6 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft).
- Does Climbing ylang-ylang (karawek) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Climbing ylang-ylang (karawek) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Climbing ylang-ylang (karawek)?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Climbing ylang-ylang (karawek) flower?
- From about April for 13–26 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Climbing ylang-ylang (karawek) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not well documented. No reliable toxicity data.
- What grows well with Climbing ylang-ylang (karawek)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Climbing ylang-ylang (karawek). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
- eFlora of India, eFlora of India / Botanical Survey of India contributors
Notes and assumptions
- Tropical: needs warm nights all year; in a frosty climate grow it under glass or as a summer container plant.
- A scrambling shrub that hooks itself up with flattened, hook-shaped flower stalks. Six thick petals turn from green to yellow and smell of ripe fruit, strongest in the evening.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Pawpaw Asimina triloba
- Cherimoya Annona cherimola
- Ylang-ylang Cananga odorata
- Soursop (guanábana) Annona muricata
- Sugar apple (sweetsop) Annona squamosa
- Custard apple (bullock’s heart) Annona reticulata
- Grains of Selim (Ethiopian pepper, uda) Xylopia aethiopica
- Wild custard apple (African custard apple) Annona senegalensis