Type: Deciduous
Exposure: Full Sun
Water Use: Low
Mature Size: Climbing 40′ x 30′
Silver lace vine is a fast growing, drought-tolerant, sun loving vine that can (once established), quickly climb and cover a fence, trellis or arbor. It is a deciduous plant that can benefit from being cut back in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to shape, control or otherwise contain the vigorous growth this plant can produce.
Be careful planting near trees, as it can quickly climb to the top of a 40-foot tree if not monitored. The name of the plant comes from the profusion of tiny white flowers that give the effect of lace draped over every surface it covers.
The leaves are small, heart shaped and grey-green. The flowers can be fragrant and appear from late spring to fall. This plant flowers on new growth so pruning can sometimes spur additional blooming.
Cold hardy in USDA zones 4-8, this non-native was introduced to U.S. gardens from western China in the 1800s. It has become widely planted due to its ability to grow in many soil types, a vigorous growth habit, drought tolerance and an abundance of flowers.
Long popular in the xeric landscape, silver lace vine does not need the heavy support structures required by other popular vines like wisteria or trumpet vine. The muted colors make it suitable for a more subdued, modern palette, and the color suggests coolness in the heat of the summer desert.
Close up of Silverlace vine by Hunter Ten Broeck
Author: Wes Brittenham, artist, gardener and writer.