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Parsonsia spp.

silkpod

Apocynaceae

Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and Pacific islands

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Fragrant (moderate)Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Parsonsia spp. is a genus of evergreen woody climbers in the family Apocynaceae, native to Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and Pacific islands. The twining stems reach 10 to 30 feet (3 to 9 m), winding through shrubs and trees and exuding a milky sap when cut. The opposite leaves are leathery, 1 to 5 inches (2.5 to 13 cm) long, and the juvenile foliage of some species differs in shape and color from the adult leaves. Small tubular to star-shaped flowers, 0.2 to 0.4 inch (5 to 10 mm) wide, in cream, yellow, or pink-brown, form in branched clusters and are often sweetly scented. Slender paired follicles 2 to 8 inches (5 to 20 cm) long split to release seeds tipped with a tuft of silky hairs, the source of the name silkpod. The genus grows in full sun to part shade on moist, well-drained soil in frost-free or nearly frost-free climates. Plants climb quickly and need support, and they can clamber over and shade out smaller shrubs if untrained. As with many members of the dogbane family, the milky sap is reported to be mildly toxic. The fragrant flowers and evergreen cover suit warm-climate screening.

Native Range

Parsonsia spp. is native to Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and Pacific islands, where the climbers grow in rainforest, forest margins, and coastal scrub. They twine through trees and shrubs on moist, well-drained soils.

Suggested Uses

Parsonsia spp. is grown on fences, trellises, and pergolas and as cover over banks and stumps in warm-climate gardens. The scented flowers draw pollinators and the evergreen growth gives screening. It is also used in native and restoration plantings within its home range.

How to Identify

Look for evergreen twining climbers with opposite leathery leaves and milky sap that bleeds from cut stems. Branched clusters of small cream, yellow, or pink-brown tubular to star-shaped flowers appear, often sweetly scented. Slender paired pods that split to release silky-tufted seeds confirm the genus.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height10' - 30'

Width/Spread6' - 12'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering occurs mainly from spring into summer, with branched clusters of small, often fragrant flowers. The flowers draw bees, butterflies, and other insects. Slender paired follicles develop afterward and split open to scatter silky-plumed seeds.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

cream, yellow, or pink-brown

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-10 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Parsonsia spp. grows in full sun to part shade on moist, well-drained soil and suits frost-free or nearly frost-free climates. The vines climb quickly once established and need a trellis, fence, or host shrub for support. Even moisture through the growing season keeps growth and flowering steady, while hard frost damages the top growth. The twining stems can overrun small plants, so a sturdy structure or open position keeps them in check. Light feeding in spring supports the evergreen foliage.

Pruning

Pruning after flowering controls the size of the vine and removes tangled or dead stems. The plants tolerate cutting back into older wood to reduce overgrowth. Trimming spent flower clusters before the pods form limits self-sown seedlings.