Information on Silver Lace Vine
Although vines tend to be difficult plants to use correctly, doing so can make them a striking part of your garden. They are multifunctional plants and can be used to provide shade and privacy. They can convert an uninteresting wall or fence into a thing of beauty. Whatever the purpose, silver lace vine (Polygonum aubertii) is a vigorous grower and will allow you to accomplish your goal quickly. Does this Spark an idea?
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Description
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Silver lace vine is native to China and western Tibet. It is a deciduous vine that sheds its heart-shaped leaves in the fall. The 2-inch long leaves are reddish in color upon emerging in the spring and later change to a glossy green. Clusters of small, fragrant white flowers are produced from midsummer until frost. The flowers yield pinkish-white berries. Other common names for silver lace vine are mile-a-minute vine, Russian vine and Chinese fleece flower.
Growth Habits
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Silver lace vine will grow rapidly to a height of 20 to 30 feet. It spreads by rhizomes, which are underground stems that produce roots and sprout new plants. The vine can be quite invasive and choke out other nearby plants. Consequently, many consider this ornamental vine a weed. Its ability to spread does make it an excellent ground cover for steep slopes. It is a twining grower making it an ideal choice for arbors, trellises and fences.
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Planting
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Silver lace vine will grow in USDA zones 4 to 9 and prefers either southern or western exposure. Sun to partial shade is recommended. Plants should be spaced 3 to 4 feet apart and planted in holes that are twice the width of the pot in which they are purchased. The depth of the hole should be as such that the top of the root ball is level with the surface of the soil. Amend the soil with peat moss or compost. Because of its aggressive nature, avoid planting this vine in the vicinity of other plants.
Care
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Silver lace vine is very adaptable and requires little care. It should be watered weekly during its first season after which it is drought tolerant. Pruning in the spring is recommended and it can be cut back drastically during any season if control of the vine's spread is necessary. A general fertilizer is sufficient but not necessary to keep it healthy. Pest infestation is uncommon except for Japanese beetles and occasionally aphids. Disease is rare, though bacterial leaf spot may infect it.
Propagation
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Silver lace vine is easily reproduced using seeds, cuttings, division or layering. Stem cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone, placed in pots and kept moist. Division is performed in the same manner as used with perennials such as shasta daisies. Early spring is the best time for division. Layering involves bending a stem of the vine to the ground, wounding the stem and treating it with rooting hormone. The wounded area is buried while still attached to the parent plant. Roots develop after which the stem can be cut from the parent vine and transplanted.
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References
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- Photo Credit background with fence and wall image by silviaantunes from Fotolia.com
