General description: This silver lace vine (Fallopia aubertii) is the most vigorously growing vine in the Polish temperate climate. It grows up to 12 m high with an annual growth of 6 m. It has relatively small, green leaves and little, white flowers that bloom very abundantly, sometimes even concealing the leaves. The silver lace vine is great for planting alongside buildings and fences, but is also suitable for growing around arbours, pergolas and various garden support. The green screen created by this vine effectively protects against noise in cities and along roads.

Flowers: The silver lace vine has very small, white flowers that grow in large, loose corymbs (up to 30 cm in diameter). They are delicately fragrant.

Blooming: Aubert’s knotweed blooms from June until the first frosts come.

Leaves: This vine has simple, heart-shaped leaves on short petioles, that grow from interestingly coloured, reddish stems.

Cultivation requirements: The silver lace vine likes sunny locations, although it also grows well in semi-shaded spots. It doesn’t have high soil requirements and can be planted in any type of soil. Seedlings should be planted a metre apart. This vine needs strong and durable support. Pergolas, arbours, posts and building walls work perfectly. It can also be planted in containers and cultivated on balconies.

Pruning: As this is a very expansive vine, it easily climbs up walls, creeps into gutters and other building elements that it can subsequently damage. Therefore, an essential step in cultivating Aubert's knotweed is heavy pruning to limit its growth. It should be pruned every 2-3 weeks during the entire growth period. A rejuvenating cut, which is necessary due to stems becoming bare, is best done in the spring. Pruning in spring intensifies flowering.

Overwintering: This is not an evergreen species; however it handles average winters well. If it froze due to harsher frosts, it quickly produces new shoots near the base after spring pruning.

Origin: China.