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Climber Wall Shrub

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

Other common names
climbing dog's bane
milk vine
see moreSyrian silk vine
Virginian silk
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H3
Botanical 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

Get involved

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