Periploca graeca
silk vine
This vigorous climber's common name, silk vine, refers to its oval pods that split to show their fluffy seed. They are preceded in summer by clusters of small, star-shaped, hanging flowers of intricate construction. They are purplish on the inside, pale green on the outer. Leaves are ovate, waxy and glossy. Like other members of the milkweed family, cut stems exude a milky sap
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown Green Purple White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Climbing
- Potentially harmful
- The sap and fruit are poisonous. Wear gloves and other protective equipment and wash hands after handling
- Genus
Pericploca are a genus of shrubs capable of growing up to a height of 2m. Leaves are lanceolate and woody stems can grow up to 15cm tall and 1cm thick. Flowers are purple-brown on the inside and greenish-white on the outside.
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Cold spells may cause die back. Enjoys fertile, well-drained soil and sun. Provide support for twining habit
Propagation
Propagate by seed or semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning is not normally required. Flowers are borne on new wood, so prune in early spring if necessary. See Pruning group 11
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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