Care of the climbing plant Ampelopsis aconitifolia or Monkshood vine |
The genus Ampelopsis, family Vitaceae, includes about 15 species of climbing shrubs distributed throughout Asia and North America. Some species are: Ampelopsis aconitifolia, Ampelopsis delavayana, Ampelopsis arborea, Ampelopsis glandulosa, Ampelopsis grossedentata. Common name: Monkshood vine. This species is native to China and Mongolia. They are deciduous and woody climbing plants with tendrils that reach 8 meters (26.24 feet) in height. The leaves, alternate and palmate, have 3-5 lanceolate lobes with serrated or lobed margins of dark green color. The flowers are small, yellowish-green in color and appear in inconspicuous clusters. The decorative fruits are first bluish in color and turn orange when ripe. Monkshood vine is used to cover pergolas, walls and fences, in hanging pots and to cover slopes. They need supports to climb. Ampelopsis aconitifolia grows best in full sun and semi-shade exposures but can also grow in the shade. The soil can be normal, well-drained garden soil with coarse sand and containing abundant organic matter. Water regularly so that the substrate does not dry out completely but never flood. Fertilize in autumn with compost or manure. Monkshood vine can be pruned in late winter to keep them compact. Ampelopsis aconitifolia is a plant resistant to the usual pests and diseases. Monkshood vine are propagated by cuttings and from seeds sown in spring. |
Images of the climbing plant Ampelopsis aconitifolia or Monkshood vine |