Hoya australis 'Blondie' (albomarginata) arch

Hoya australis 'Blondie' is a variegated horticultural selection, noted for its thick, glossy leaves with a green center and creamy-yellow margins. New growth may appear in pink, burgundy, or red tones, then lighten as it matures. Its climbing habit allows the vines to be trained over an arch, while the pattern of each leaf may vary naturally. At maturity, the plant may produce umbels of white, waxy flowers with a pinkish-red center and an intense fragrance, characteristic of the species Hoya australis.

Name and identification.

Accepted botanical name of the species. Hoya australis R.Br. ex J.

Commercial epithet. "albomarginata" describes the light-colored leaf margin.

Species origin. Borneo, Sulawesi, New Guinea, Australia, and several islands in the southwestern Pacific.

'Blondie' is a plant selected and maintained in cultivation for its variegated foliage; it is not a botanical subspecies or a wild form originating throughout the species' entire natural range.

Foliage and habit. The leaves are opposite, oval, thick, and glossy. The green center is framed by cream to pale yellow margins, while new leaves may display pink, burgundy, or deep red shades. As they mature, the warm tones fade and the green-and-cream contrast becomes more defined. The width of the margin and the distribution of colors vary naturally between specimens and between leaves on the same plant. The stems are climbing and can be trained over an arch.

Flowers and fragrance. At maturity, the plant may produce spherical inflorescences with waxy, predominantly white flowers and a pinkish-red center. The flowers are fragrant and may last for approximately one week. Flowering depends on the maturity of the specimen and growing conditions; these traits are documented for the species Hoya australis, while the main ornamental value of the 'Blondie' selection remains its foliage.

Notes about specimens. The height, including the pot, is approximately 40 cm. The intensity of the variegation and the coloration of new growth may vary from one plant to another.

Shipping note: this variegated selection is sensitive to temperature and may react to unsuitable temperatures or shipping stress. After receiving the parcel, the plant may lose some leaves.

Growing medium: use an airy, well-draining mix suitable for epiphytic species. We recommend the professional potting mix for Hoya and Anthurium - SG Mix.

For complete recommendations on light, watering, growing medium, fertilization, propagation, and flowering, read the complete Hoya care guide.