Smilax

periploca laevigata

Also known as: ["Evergreen Periploca","Silk Vine"]

Family: Apocynaceae Genus: Periploca Category: Shrubs

Overview

A woody, evergreen climbing plant with leathery leaves and small, greenish-white flowers followed by black berries.

Benefits & Perks

["deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Periploca
Botanical Name: Periploca laevigata

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Shrubs
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, slopes, or as a ground cover in sunny areas
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining soil mix with sand, perlite, and organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun; adjust placement based on outdoor vs. indoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor drainage or compacted soil.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid direct sun on leaves during peak hours.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly until runoff, ensure soil dries out between waterings, and reduce frequency in winter.

Soil

well-drained, sandy or loamy soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use gritty mix; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Prefers 60–85°F (15–29°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in warm, dry conditions.

Protect from frost; provide shade in extreme heat; maintain consistent temperatures.

Fertilizing

every 2–3 months during growing season

Fertilize only during active growth; dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; stop in winter.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings taken from semi-hardwood growth.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Apply rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), and indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–4 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagator.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective thinning of stems and light heading back to promote branching.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or overgrown stems.

Tools

Pruning shears, sharp knife, disinfectant.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune dead/damaged stems; shape the plant; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth starts.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; use fresh well-draining soil; ensure good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil refresh.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; trim roots if necessary; use fresh soil.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone, apply until water drains from the bottom, ensure excess water drains away, and water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to direct water precisely to the root zone, avoiding foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 3–4 weeks in fall and winter, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with coarse materials.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis, leaf drop, or stunted growth in cold; wilting or scorching in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf drop, and can lead to root rot if soil remains wet in cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from frost; ensure soil dries out faster in cool conditions.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow due to excessive transpiration.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogged soil.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with roots.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Periploca laevigata may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as spider mites or scale insects, which disrupt chlorophyll production.

Wilting in Periploca laevigata can be caused by water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to impaired nutrient uptake and potential root damage.

Leaf spots on Periploca laevigata may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to defoliation and reduced photosynthetic capacity, which can weaken the plant.

Rotting in Periploca laevigata is often associated with excessive moisture, particularly in the root zone, which can lead to root rot and the death of the plant if not addressed promptly.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are highly sensitive to the toxic compounds in Periploca laevigata. Ingestion can result in severe gastrointestinal upset and cardiac complications, which may be fatal if not treated promptly.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy abdominal pain irregular heartbeat difficulty breathing weakness
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves bark seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure cats cannot access the plant. Seek veterinary care immediately if poisoning is suspected.
Dogs
Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Periploca laevigata can lead to severe gastrointestinal and cardiac distress. The toxic compounds affect the heart and digestive system, potentially causing life-threatening conditions.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy abdominal pain irregular heartbeat weakness collapse
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves bark seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep pets away from the plant. Contact a veterinarian immediately if ingestion is suspected.
Humans
Toxic

Periploca laevigata contains toxic compounds that can cause significant physiological distress upon ingestion. The plant's effects are primarily due to cardiac glycosides, which disrupt normal heart function and can lead to severe systemic effects.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain diarrhea irregular heartbeat dizziness weakness severe cardiac issues
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves bark seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep out of reach of children and avoid ingestion. Seek immediate medical attention if poisoning is suspected.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Periploca laevigata toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is toxic to both dogs and cats.

Q: Does Periploca laevigata attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Q: How difficult is it to care for Periploca laevigata?

A: It has moderate care difficulty, requiring regular maintenance.

Quick Reference
Family: Apocynaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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