About
Smilax (genus entry), the bamboo vines or greenbriers, form dense, spiny, tangling thickets of stems with heart-shaped, green foliage and greenish-white flowers in May and June, followed by bright, round, blue-red berries in autumn. A rewarding and wildlife-friendly genus for a sheltered, sunny position.
About the genus
Smilax, the greenbriers or bamboo vines, are a large genus of evergreen and deciduous shrubs and climbers forming dense, spiny thickets with heart-shaped foliage and small, greenish-white flowers followed by bright, round berries. Grown in sheltered, sunny positions.
Plant details
Suggested usesBorders, hedging, specimen planting.
Care notes
CultivationPlant in well-drained soil in sun or part shade.
PruningPrune after flowering or late winter.
PropagationPropagate by division, cuttings, or seed.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-resistant.