Information on Silver Lace Vine

The silver lace vine is a fast-growing, deciduous vine that grows approximately 10 feet in length in one season. The plant is native to China and is hardy in USDA growing zones 4 through 8. Silver lace vine produces bright green foliage with small, fragrant flowers that range in color from light green to white with a pink tinge. The vine can become invasive when not pruned on a yearly basis to control growth.

Planting Location

Select a planting location for the silver lace vine that provides a minimum of six hours full sunlight and a nutrient-rich and well-draining soil. Plant the vine in a partially shaded location in climates with temperatures that reach over 90 degrees F during the growing season. Test the planting soil as the vine prefers an acidic growing environment with a pH of 5 to 8. Work ground rock sulfur into the soil to lower the pH number two weeks prior to planting.

How to Plant

Dig a hole that is slightly deeper and twice as wide as the silver lace vine root ball. Mix equal portions of organic compost or peat moss with the removed soil if it is high in clay or sand content. Add several inches of organic compost or peat moss to the bottom of the hole and place the vine on top. Gently loosen large roots that are tangled around the root ball mass. Water the hole and allow it to absorb into the root ball and surrounding soil. Fill the hole with removed soil and gently pack it in place to eliminate air pockets. Prune the plant back by 1/3 the size to encourage new growth.

Care and Maintenance

Water the silver lace vine to keep the soil moist during the growing season. Monitor the soil moisture during the hot summer months as additional applications may be required to keep the soil moist. The vine is fast growing and has a large water requirement. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once the vine reaches 1 foot in height and again as it begins to bud. Apply a 1- to 2-inch layer of organic compost mulch around the plant to supply nutrients and reduce weed growth. Prune the vine to remove dead or damaged stems. Cut back the vine 1/3 to 1/2 the size before the buds appear each spring to prevent overgrowth and shape the plant.

Winter Protection

Protect the silver lace vine in areas where the winters are freezing by covering the base of the plant with several inches of mulch. Wrap the top of the vine with burlap if additional protection is required. Vines that are damaged from harsh winter conditions can be cut back to several inches above the ground to stimulate new plant growth.

Problems

Monitor the silver lace vine for an infestation of Japanese beetles or aphids. Remove the insects by handpicking them off the vine or spraying with a sharp stream of water to knock them off. Spray the tree with a dormant oil to prevent the insects from returning. A healthy silver lace vine has few problems with disease as long as it is adequately cared for.