Smilax aspera

RHS Plant Profile
prickly ivy
Climber Wall Shrub

Evergreen climber about 3m tall, eventually forming a dense tangle of thorny, angular stems, and leathery, ovate, heart-shaped, glossy green leaves, often blotched grey. Small, fragrant, pale green flowers are produced in racemes in late summer and early autumn, followed by red fruits

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 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
H3

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Smilacaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Climbing, 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
Plant Range
Europe, Asia, Africa

How to Grow

Cultivation

Requires a warm sunny position in well-drained soil, grown against a support. Not suitable for cold, frost prone areas

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Sub-tropical
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Climber and wall shrubs

Pruning

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

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free