Smilax rotundifolia
bamboo briar
Deciduous to semi-evergreen, woody climber with prickly stems to about 6m or more tall and glossy bright green ovate leaves, heart-shaped at the base, 18cm long, Round, pale yellowish-green to bronze, summer flowers are followed by blue-black to black fruits in autumn
Other common names
biscuit leavesbull briar
see morebull grip
horse briar
hunger root
hungry vine
red-berried bamboo
wait-a-bit
bread and butter
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow Green Bronze | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Blue Black | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Smilacaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous or Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Trailing
- Genus
A large genus of around 300 to 350 evergreen and deciduous species of shrub, found in tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world. They form very dense thickets of spiny stems, with heart-shaped green foliage and greenish-white flowers which appear in May and June. Pollinated plants produce bright, round blue-red berries that ripen in the autumn
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in sun or part shade, needs support
Propagation
Propagate by seed in autumn, or by division in autumn or spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Climber and wall shrubs
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pruning group 11 after flowering, care necessary to avoid prickly stems
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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