Silk vine (Periploca graeca)

Silk vine

Silk vine is a popular ornamental choice for gardeners who plant it in cottage and informal gardens and on border walls. As its name, Silk vine, suggests, this species is an excellent climber and looks lovely on an obelisk. Silk vine's sap and fruit are highly poisonous, so avoid ingestion.

Scientific classification

Species

Silk vine (Periploca graeca)

Gentians, dogbanes, madders, and allies

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5 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm to 5 cm

Flower Size

Yellow, Red, Purple, Green

Flower Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Silk vine

Distribution of Silk vine

Distribution Map

Silk vine is a plant native to regions spanning Southeastern Europe to Western Asia. It has successfully established itself in areas of Central Europe, North Africa, and parts of Australasia. With its cultivation beyond these native ranges, silk vine demonstrates adaptability to various climates and conditions, reflecting broad ecological resilience.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Woods, thickets, riverbanks

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Care Guide for Silk vine

Every 3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Silk vine is drought-resistant, preferring infrequent watering, approximately once every three weeks. It typically thrives outdoors, utilizing seasonal rainfall for optimal growth, which prevents over-saturation while supporting its climbing nature.

Pruning: Silk vine requires annual pruning in early spring to shape and encourage healthy growth. Remove dead or overcrowded stems for better air circulation, enhancing foliage and flower production. Use clean tools to avoid spreading diseases, improving both size control and ornamental appeal.

Propagation: Silk vine thrives as a vigorous climbing shrub with twining stems and lance-shaped leaves, producing greenish-yellow blooms. For propagation, ideal methods involve cuttings from healthy, non-flowering shoots using rooting hormone, planted in well-drained medium with consistent moisture and warmth under indirect light.

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