Southern Smilax

Common Names: Southern Smilax, Bamboo Smilax, Bamboo Smilax, Southern Vine

Botanical names: Smilax spp.

Availability: July though March

Vase life: 7 to 10 days

Storage temperatures: 34 - 41 degrees Fahrenheit

Ethylene Sensitive: No

Description: Very long, light weight vines with long, narrow, elliptical leaves and pointed tips. The vines and leaves are soft and pliable.

Color: Various shades of green

Botanical facts: Southern Smilax is wild cut, not cultivated. It grows in moist, wooded areas, often along stream banks or in swampy regions. It has long, slender stems that can climb or sprawl over other vegetation, aided by its tendrils.

Design notes: This versatile, a hearty vine is perfect for for weddings and in churches to cover arches, candelabras, columns, stairways, ceilings, tents or a MoonGate.

Purchasing hints: Purchase undamaged stems with turgid glossy foliage. Avoid stems exhibiting leaf fall.

Conditioning: Cut the stem ends with as sharp knife. Hydrate in water mixed with a commercial floral food for two hours before storage or usage.

Additional notes: Southern Smilax is usually unavailable in April through May because the new foliage is too tender to ship.