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Parsonsia spp.
silkpod
Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and Pacific islands
Overview
Parsonsia 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 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 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
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 30'
Width/Spread6' - 12'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
cream, yellow, or pink-brownFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Parsonsia 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.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 7 gallons