Smilax aspera
Smilax aspera · Smilacaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around smilax aspera and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- Spring (April to June), cream-white flowers
- Mature size
- Up to 5–8 m on support
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Low hardiness (zone 9+, frost-sensitive)
- Origin
- Mediterranean region, North Africa
- Soil type
- Well-draining, fertile, slightly acidic to neutral
Care
Exposure
Place your salsaparilla in full sun or partial shade for balanced growth. It tolerates partial shade but will flower less abundantly. Protect it from strong winds and winter frost in cold regions.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season (spring–summer), keeping the soil moist without excess. Reduce watering in autumn and winter. In dry climates, mulching helps retain moisture.
Soil and Drainage
Choose rich, well-structured, well-draining soil. Incorporate compost or potting soil at planting to enrich the substrate. Compacted or waterlogged soil promotes root rot.
Pruning and Structure
Guide the stems onto a support or trellis from the start. Perform light pruning in late winter to remove dead wood and encourage branching. Control vigorous growth if development becomes excessive.
Fertilization
Apply balanced fertilizer (NPK 10-10-10) monthly during the growing season. Use a potassium-rich fertilizer in spring to support flowering and fruiting.
Health and Pests
Watch for mealybugs and spider mites, especially in hot, dry climates. Powdery mildew can appear in humid, stagnant air. Ensure good air circulation and remove diseased leaves to prevent infections.
Did you know?
Mediterranean salsaparilla inspired the famous remedies of the Renaissance: its roots, confused with those of American salsaparilla (Smilax regelii), were marketed in Europe in the 16th century as a miraculous panacea against syphilis and rheumatism. Although its medicinal virtues are largely exaggerated, this plant remains emblematic of the history of botanical exchanges between continents.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Saw greenbrierSmilax bona-nox
- Round-leaved greenbrierSmilax rotundifolia
- Cat greenbrierSmilax glauca
- Smilax glyciphyllaSmilax glyciphylla
- Pedunculate oakQuercus robur
- CamelliaCamellia japonica
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.