Smilax glyciphylla
Smilax glyciphylla · Smilacaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around smilax glyciphylla and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Australian sarsaparilla
- Family
- Smilacaceae
- Plant type
- Woody climber
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- Spring (September–November in Australia)
- Mature size
- Up to 3–4 m in height
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender, temperate to warm climate
- Origin
- Australia (east coast)
Care
Light
Choose a semi-shaded position or filtered light. This climber thrives under tree cover or against an east/west-facing wall. Avoid intense full sun, which can dry out the foliage.
Watering
Water regularly during active growth, keeping the soil moist but well-drained. Reduce watering in winter or dry season. Take care to avoid waterlogging, which promotes root rot.
Soil and substrate
Rich, slightly acidic to neutral, well-drained soil is ideal. Enrich the substrate with organic matter (compost) at planting time. Make sure water doesn't pool at the base.
Pruning and training
Prune after flowering to remove dead wood and shape the plant. Guide stems onto a support or trellis. Regular pruning encourages denser branching and keeps the plant's size under control.
Fertiliser
Apply balanced fertiliser once or twice a month during the growing season (spring–summer). Reduce or stop feeding in autumn and winter. Favour organic or low-concentration formulas.
Pests and diseases
Watch for red spider mites in dry conditions and mealybugs. Powdery mildew can occur in humid, stagnant weather; improve ventilation and avoid wetting the foliage. Good drainage minimises rot risk.
Did you know?
Smilax glyciphylla owes its epithet 'glyciphylla' (from the Greek glykys, sweet, and phyllon, leaf) to its slightly sweet-tasting leaves, which once featured in the traditional pharmacopoeia of Australian Aboriginal peoples. This robust climbing plant was also used as a source of fibres and flexible stems for making utensils.
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
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.