Strongylodon macrobotrys aka Jadevine

Strongylodon macrobotrys is known as jade vine or emerald creeper. This woody, evergreen vine belongs to the pea family. It comes from tropical rain forests in the Philippines. There, it climbs tall trees to reach the sun. Forest loss has reduced its wild habitat. Gardens and nurseries also grow it in warm regions worldwide. Its native climate stays wet and warm.

Garden vines reach 30–50 feet [9.1–15.2 metres] in length. The RHS reports heights reaching 66 feet [20 metres]. Spread reaches about 15 feet [4.6 metres], according to Missouri Botanical Garden. The RHS gives a narrower spread of 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres]. Tough stems twist as they climb their support. They can reach about one inch across. Each leaf has three leaflets, set along alternating stems. The leaflets are oval to oblong and emerge pink-bronze. The vine keeps its leaves throughout the year.

Blue-green flowers hang in long clusters below the stems. Individual blooms reach about 0.26 feet [0.08 metres] long. Their clusters can reach three feet [0.9 metres]. Chicago Botanic Garden lists flowering from January through April. Plants must be old and mature before they flower. In the wild, bats pollinate the blooms. They hang upside down to drink nectar from them. Two pigment groups help create the unusual flower colour. High pH in the stem sap affects those pigments. The flowers also suit cut arrangements.

Jade vine needs heat, humidity, and shelter from strong winds. It cannot survive frost and dislikes temperatures below 60°F. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 10–12 for outdoor growing. The RHS rates it H1A for British conditions. In Britain, grow it under glass all year. Give it rich, moist soil that drains well. Acid or neutral soil suits it. It grows in sun or partial shade. Shade from hot sun helps in a greenhouse. Water freely during growth, but reduce watering in winter. The RHS recommends feeding every two or three weeks during growth.

A tall arch or pergola displays the hanging flowers. Provide firm support for its climbing stems. The RHS places maturity at five to ten years. Prune after flowering, following the chosen training method. Propagation options include seed and spring air layering. Summer stem sections need bottom heat to root. Scale insects may attack the vine. Both horticultural sources report few disease problems.