Russian Vine (Fallopia aubertii)

Russian Vine

Fallopia aubertii

It climbs rapidly to cover walls, a cascade of tiny white blooms. Deciduous woody vine; common name: Russian Vine, Mile-a-Minute Vine.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; blooms most profusely in full sun, tolerates light shade
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Watering Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Hardy to -15°C; tolerates cool and temperate climates, protect young vines from extreme frost
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Heart-shaped, bright green, 3–8 cm long, arranged alternately on stems
  • Flower: Tiny, fragrant white panicles, clustered along trailing stems
  • Stem: Slender, twining woody stems with reddish-brown young growth
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged

Fertilization

Diluted balanced feed once monthly. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive leaf growth at the expense of blooms

Banana peel compost tea:Use fully composted banana peels soaked in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 for root drench, discard solids to avoid pests and odor
Pruning
  • Prune heavily in late winter to control aggressive growth and encourage dense flowering
  • Trim back wayward stems during the growing season to maintain desired shape
  • Remove dead or damaged growth to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA verified: Non-toxic to cats

Humans: No known toxic effects on humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Symbolizes rapid growth and abundance; often used to cover unsightly outdoor structures

Usage: Ornamental climbing vine for walls, fences, arbors, and large indoor trellises