Apocissus hypoglauca
five-leaved water vine
Overview
Apocissus hypoglauca is a vigorous evergreen woody climber, also known as Cissus hypoglauca, native to rainforest and moist forest of eastern Australia. It climbs by forked tendrils to 5-15 m (16-49 ft) into the canopy and over other vegetation. The leaves are palmately compound with five leaflets radiating from a central point, each leaflet 5-12 cm (2-4.7 in) long, glossy dark green above and conspicuously blue-grey and glaucous beneath, the source of the species name. New growth is often rusty-hairy. Small greenish-yellow flowers open in branched clusters in summer and are followed by rounded, grape-like berries 1-1.5 cm (0.4-0.6 in) across that ripen purple-black and are eaten by birds. It grows on a range of moist, well-drained soils in part shade to filtered sun and needs a sturdy support, since the stems become heavy and woody with age. The vine grows fast and can swamp small plants and light structures if not controlled, and it is damaged by frost, so it performs in frost-free, sheltered, and coastal districts.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, from Queensland through New South Wales into eastern Victoria, growing in subtropical and warm-temperate rainforest, gallery forest, and moist gullies, climbing into the canopy on richer soils.Suggested Uses
Used to clothe pergolas, arbours, fences, and large trellises in warm, sheltered gardens, and in rainforest and habitat plantings where the berries feed birds. Suits screening of sturdy structures. Given a strong support and spaced 2-3 m (6.5-10 ft) apart.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height16'5" - 49'3"
Width/Spread6'7" - 16'5"
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Small greenish-yellow flowers open in branched clusters through summer, roughly November to February. They are followed by rounded purple-black berries that ripen from late summer into autumn. The flowers are inconspicuous against the foliage.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
glossy green above, blue-grey beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-7 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow in part shade to filtered sun on moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, giving the vine a strong trellis, pergola, or tree to climb. Water through establishment and dry spells, as the plant prefers steady moisture and is not drought-hardy. It grows vigorously, so regular cutting keeps it within bounds and off smaller plants and gutters. Mulch to keep the roots cool. Frost cuts back soft growth, which limits the vine to frost-free and coastal gardens. Mature stems become heavy, so the support must be sturdy and lasting.Pruning
Cut back at any time through the warmer months to control size, thin congested growth, and keep the vine clear of smaller plants and structures. It reshoots strongly from old wood. Regular trimming is needed to manage its vigorous spread.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer