Climbing Plants Top 10 – The Russian Vine

Posted April 25, 2011 by admin in Blog, Climbing plants | 1 comment

Another contender for our top climbing plants list is the Russian Vine, perhaps a little contentious this one however it can be a very useful plant that provides rapid growth, form and colour.

The Russian vine is not for the timid gardener with little time on their hands as it is a speedily growing and large emerging plant which is sometimes termed as an undesirable, nuisance climber. Also commonly referred to as the ‘mile a minute’, this apt nickname just begins to describe The Russian vine which originates from Asia, Tibet and Western China.

Height: Up to 10 metres
Flowers: August – September
Family: Fallopia

This is best suited to larger gardens or areas that require hurried growth for privacy or decoration purposes, for example proving a swift covering to gates or exposed fences. The Russian vine needs careful and attentive pruning of a regular nature to avoid a complete garden take over. It is a fully hardy occupant of any garden space.

The Russian vine, also known as the ‘Fallopia baldschuanica’ is quite simply a climber which is easy to root in any garden, but caution is required. The vine encompasses wood like stems which climb and can reach staggering heights of up to ten metres if left unchecked. The triangular shaped leaves can grow up to ten centimetres which sport separate clusters of white, greenish or paler pink flowers which can grow up to fifteen centimetres each. The flowers then protrude with tiny, white-pink fruits.

Position a Russian vine either in full sunlight or shade which is partial and the plant does well in soil from a poor quality to reasonable fertile, preferring well drained moist soiled areas.

It is an exceptionally fast growing plant which flowers between the months of August to September with stems that will remain all year round. Ideal for decorating any ugly garden structures or fences and walls, but can lead to a garden becoming choked if not routinely kept in check.