This plant comes with a warning – only plant it if you really like it and have enough room to cope with its speed of growth. Russian vine must be one of the fastest growing garden plants, ever, and its alternative name of the Mile a Minute plant is given with good reason. The shoots will often grow 15ft (4.5m) or more in a single season and, given the chance, can smother the tallest of trees.

Russian vine is quite a sight when it is in flower. It is an ideal plant for covering an eyesore building quickly and it can transform an unattractive fence into a ‘hedge’. It is not a self-clinging plant, but the shoots have a twining effect that gives them sufficient support where there is something to grasp. When grown against a smooth surface, wires or a trellis must be added to form the required supports.

The plant is covered in light green, heart-shaped leaves for most of their growing season. During the autumn, they change to a golden brown. Just before autumn begins, the whole plant will erupt in a froth of white flowers that give off a sweet scent.

Russian vine can be planted out any time between autumn and spring, as long as the weather and ground are not too cold or wet. If planting against a wall, place it at least 12in (30cm) away from the base. Plants will grow well in full sun or light shade though those grown in full sun will produce the most flowers. It is a completely hardy plant and does not require any protection during the winter.

Fallopia baldshuanica needs no pruning other than that to keep it within bounds. It may need tying in if you want to keep it tidy and, as it has a tendency to catch the wind, any supports used should be strong and firm.

Growing Requirements

Soil
This climber will grow in any type of garden soil, but will do best in soils that have been improved with organic material.

Size
Russian vine can rapidly grow to 60ft (18m) in all directions. You have been warned!

Propagation
Fallopia baldshuanica is best propagated by taking cuttings during the summer.

Family: Polygonaceae
Genus: Fallopia