russian vine

[JUDYOLIVIER]

How do you control a russian vine?

[muggyjim]

They are invasive and in most gardens are a pest. "Mile a minute plant" is their nickname. If its your vine you can kill it if you wanted to, if its coming from a neighbour, then all you can do is chop it back at your side.

[Newt]

Hi Judy, When you say 'control', do you mean to prune it or to kill it? There are many vines called 'mile a minute' that Muggyjim has suggested and more than one called Russian vine. Here is one known botanically known as Muelhenbeckia tamnifolia. Is this your vine? http://uk.geocities.com/craspedopus/flora/polygonaceae.html How about this one - Polygonum baldschuanicum or Fallopia baldschuanica? http://www.habitas.org.uk/gardenflora/polygonum_baldschuanic um.htm So, if it's one of these, do you want to know how to prune or kill it? Newt

[Ray the DJ]

If you knock a copper nail into its trunk as close to the ground a possible it will die. It's a method used by tree surgeons to stop trees re-growing from stumps. If you cant find a copper nail make one by sharpening a piece of copper or force a thin, copper water pipe into the trunk.

[JUDYOLIVIER]

Can I plant a russian vine at the same time as, for example, a wisteria, allow the vine to grow quickly and then kill it when I want the wisteria to take over?

[FP]

Judy, the Russian Vine will grow so thick and fast that the wisteria won't stand a chance and will be strangled. I presume you want to cover something or create a screen. Try a clematis montana, or even better one of evergreen clemantis or honeysuckles. Fast growing and give plenty of cover, but also produce lovely scented flowers. Once you have a Russian Vine you will find it very difficult to get rid of.

[Newt]

Hi Judy, I agree with Fakeplastic. You could also plant an annual vine while you wait for whatever else you choose to get mature enough to give you the cover you desire. Most clematis take 3 to 5 years to establish their root systems before they take off and produce lots of top growth and I wouldn't plant a clematis to be sacrificed for a wisteria. With most vines patience is necessary. If it's the wisteria you really want, go with the annual vines until it gets established. Keep in mind that wisteria will get VERY large and VERY heavy eventually and will need a very sturdy structure. Newt