The Jade Vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys) is in bloom in our Greenhouses and the eye-catching display of jade-colored flowers will stop even the most casual visitor. In the Long House and in the Fern House you can see this native Philippine vine, each with 8 to 10 dangling chains of flowers. The flower chains pictured are in different stages of blooming. First, the flower chains emerge out of either woody or new growth to start their trek downward. Then, as the chains reach their full length the blooms start opening from the top down. The flowers only last 4-5 days but the succession of bloom will continue. Flower chains can reach a few feet to 10 feet in length, if space permits.
As the flowers open, the stem bends with the weight of the bloom and forms a display of unusual jade flowers.
Once the plant gets to be the size of your thumb in width, the plant is ready to bloom. Our vi
ne was two years old before it started blooming and presently is four years old. To be successful make sure you have plenty of room, lots of sunshine and sturdy support for your vine to
ne was two years old before it started blooming and presently is four years old. To be successful make sure you have plenty of room, lots of sunshine and sturdy support for your vine toramble around. Once it has reached maturity hard pruning will be necessary.
These are excellent plants for conservatories or sunrooms or a trellis in the south, which is Zone 10 or higher. Come take a peek!
Arguably, it's the most beautiful vine in the world. Bravo. Is your vine growing in a container, or is it planted directly in the ground? If container, how big is it? Thanks. KM
ReplyDeleteGreat question...Our Jade Vines are planted directly in the ground. The specimen pictured is four years old. If you were to grow the Jade Vine in a container you would need to gradually move the pot size up to a 12-14 inch pot to start blooming reliably. But more important is to make sure you have plenty of room for it to vine around.
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