Very attractive and interesting flowers, the Snail Vine is Vigna caracalla (syn. Cochliasanthus caracalla). This is climbing plant from tropical to sub tropical areas where it can be evergreen. Usually grown as an annual, or perennial in colder climates.
In warmer areas the plant will flower almost year round.
It is the shape of the flower that gives the plant its name, they spiral like a snails shell. The flowers are followed by seed pods if the appropriate pollinators are around, and these are ants that are attracted to the flowers.
Care
As the plant grows in late spring to summer it needs to be pruned back to encourage good flower formation. This is not a problem as this is a fast growing plant and it recovers quickly. We think the height should be restricted to around 2 metres at the most.
- Plant in a warm sheltered position.
- A humus rich moist soil is essential.
- Fertiliser regularly with a liquid fertiliser.
- Keep moist through the spring toand summer.
This is a vine that will grow well in a container if required.
Pruning
In warmer climates reduce the size to 1 metre in winter. In cooler areas it will die back.
Propagation
Easy from seed sown in spring.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Vigna caracalla (syn. Cochliasanthus caracalla)
- Common Name – Snail Vine, Corkscrew Vine, Snail creeper.
- Position – Warm sheltered with good sun
- Soil – Humus rich moist
- Height – Can reach 5 metres.
- Spread – This a climbing plant and vigorous.
- Flowers – Green to white then turning to mauve with pale pink.
- Flowering Time – Summer
- Foliage – Mid green.
- Frost tolerant – No
- Drought tolerant – No
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357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
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412 James Lane, Fern Hill VIC. 3458 - Phone 0419002651
Large range of Rare plants, Climbers, Bulbs, Perennials Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. Available both Retail and by Mail Order
www.whitehousenursery.com.au
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
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www.gardenexpress.com.au