Silver Lace Vine
fallopia aubertii
Also known as: ["Aubert's Knotweed","Silver Vine"]
Overview
A fast-growing deciduous vine with delicate, lacy foliage and profuse clusters of small, fragrant white flowers in late summer.
Benefits & Perks
["fast growing","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Polygonaceae |
| Genus: | Fallopia |
| Botanical Name: | Fallopia aubertii |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, trained on a support structure
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, as the plant can be vigorous and may become invasive if uncontrolled.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to full sun gradually over 1–2 weeks. Protect from intense midday sun in hot climates. Ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Full sun is best; avoid deep shade; rotate plants for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-drained, moderately fertile soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–9. Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C).
Mulch to insulate roots; water deeply in heat; protect from extreme cold.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize once a year in spring; use a balanced formula; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is flexible but mature enough to root.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), humid, and partially shaded environment.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–6 weeks; establish in the garden within one growing season.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, clean tools; keep cuttings humid; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back hard to 6–12 inches from the ground to rejuvenate growth.
Pruning Plan
Prune to control size, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or weak stems.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers for thicker stems, gloves.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune before new growth; remove dead/damaged stems; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, repot in fresh soil with good drainage, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot container-grown plants every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter to every 2–3 weeks. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; mix in perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, leaf drop, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Can tolerate hard frosts but may suffer root damage in prolonged sub-zero temperatures.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter. Protect container plants by moving them to a sheltered location.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering during prolonged heat waves.
Solution: Provide temporary shade during peak heat, increase watering, and ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water after fertilizing; avoid contact with stems.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, as Fallopia aubertii is not heavy feeder.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they consume Fallopia aubertii berries. The oxalic acid content can cause digestive upset, though severe toxicity is rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Fallopia aubertii berries can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of oxalic acid. Symptoms are generally not severe but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicFallopia aubertii contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in significant quantities. The berries are the primary toxic parts, containing oxalic acid which can irritate the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How fast does Fallopia aubertii grow?
A: It is an extremely fast-growing vine, capable of growing up to 20 feet in a single season.
Q: Is Fallopia aubertii invasive?
A: Yes, it can be highly invasive in some regions due to its rapid growth and ability to spread via rhizomes.
Q: Does Fallopia aubertii require support?
A: Yes, it is a climbing vine and requires a trellis, fence, or other support structure to grow properly.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Polygonaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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