Smilax rotundifolia

RHS Plant Profile
bamboo briar

Other common names

biscuit leaves, bull briar, bull grip, horse briar, hunger root, hungry vine, red-berried bamboo, wait-a-bit, bread and butter

Climber Wall Shrub

Deciduous to semi-evergreen, woody climber with prickly stems to about 6m or more tall and glossy bright green ovate leaves, heart-shaped at the base, 18cm long, Round, pale yellowish-green to bronze, summer flowers are followed by blue-black to black fruits in autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Smilacaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous, Semi evergreen
Habit
Trailing
Genus
A large genus of around 300 to 350 evergreen and deciduous species of shrub, found in tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world. They form very dense thickets of spiny stems, with heart-shaped green foliage and greenish-white flowers which appear in May and June. Pollinated plants produce bright, round blue-red berries that ripen in the autumn
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in sun or part shade, needs support

Propagation

Propagate by seed in autumn, or by division in autumn or spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Climber and wall shrubs
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

Pruning group 11 after flowering, care necessary to avoid prickly stems

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free