Silk Vine
Periploca graeca
Family: Asclepiadaceae
What it is like
Periploca graeca is a deciduous Climber growing to 9 m (29ft 6in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 9
Where it is found
Woods, thickets and riverbanks.
S.E. Europe to W. Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
Cardiac, diuretic, stimulant, tonic..
Cardiac: Used in the treatment of heart problems.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Stimulant: Excites or quickens activity of the physiological processes. Faster acting than a tonic but differing from a narcotic in that it does not give a false sense of well-being.
Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Other
Rating:
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Easily grown in any fertile soil in a sunny position. Succeeds in sandy soils. A very ornamental plant, it is hardy in most parts of Britain. A climbing plant that supports itself by twining around other plants etc. Plants do not normally require pruning. The powerful scent of the flowers is considered to be unpleasant by some people and pleasant by others.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division of roots in the spring as soon as new growth commences. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 10cm at a node or preferably with a heel, singly in pots of sand. Fair to good percentage. Layering in September/October. Takes 6 months. High percentage.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Climber
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
The sap and the fruit is poisonous.