The Snail Vine: Plant Care Tips and Facts
A plant that is easily one of our top sellers in our garden centre is the Snail Vine. Known for being a perennial plant with an exquisite aroma, these creeping vines are a must-have in all gardens.
Cochliasanthus caracella or better known as the snail vine is unique in many various ways. This tropical plant can be identified by its fast growing vines and snail-like flowers. Each flower is unique with purple and yellow splashes over white. These beautiful flowers give off a delightful fragrance. Given its name, the snail vine’s flowers curl in a snail like manner.
In today’s post we will be discussing a few tips, tricks and facts about the snail vine:
Life Span
The Snail Vine is a perennial that blooms from midsummer to autumn. Should you reside in a zone that is prone to cold climates in the winter, you will start to notice that your snail vine will start to die down. Have no fear, as this means that it will only go dormant for the winter and grow right back in the spring.
To prevent your snail vine from dying down, it is always best to plant your plant in a large pot where you can move it to a more sheltered area from the cold.
When planting your snail vine in a zone that is more prone to warmer climates, you will notice that growth will continue through the year.
Snail Vine Care
Pruning:
As they are fast growers, it is always beneficial to trim back your snail vines, as they are rapid growers once they are established. By trimming your vines, you will notice that it will promote more growth and with more growth comes more flowers. By continuously trimming, it will also maintain the growth of your vines and keep them under control.
Watering:
It is best to water your snail vine regularly as they are known to be tropical plants. This means that watering should take place at least 3 to 4 times a week (dependant on the temperatures). Although these plants might be very thirsty, they will produce a growth rate that will shock you.
Light
Snail vines thrive in sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. For the promotion of optimal growth and blooming, the snail vine will need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
Did You Know?
The snail vine is part of the pea family. Twenty species of the snail vine family is indigenous to Southern-Africa. This makes it one of our proudly South African Treasures.
They are ideal for planting along a trellis or even an arch as they’re quick growth can ensure an accent piece in your garden.
As the snail vine is known to be part of the pea family, you will see that it does produce pods that resemble our everyday peas. These pods will then carry the snail vine seeds. As soon as the pod is dried out, you will easily be able to plant these pods in well-draining soil for your own cultivation.
Although the Snail Vine is hard to come by, we at Bergmann’s Garden Centre always make sure that we have more than enough stock available for you to choose from. Be sure to purchase yours today to ensure an aromatic and spectacular garden.
