Trailing clusters of starry, white flowers burst from the newest growth of this woody, evergreen climber through Spring and Summer.
Petrea volubilis is known by two common names: sandpaper vine for its rough leaves, or queen's wreath for its cascading clusters of star-like flowers that are typically lilac to blue shades. Petrea 'Snow Stars' is a rare pure-white variety in trailing boas of blooms up to 25cm long.
In tropical and sub-tropical gardens and parks, Petrea 'Snow Stars' is grown as either a free-standing, mounding, dome-shaped shrub up to 3 metres in height, or as a climber that grows even higher when supported on a trellis or garden arches and porticos. Its stunning, snow-white flowers cover the vine in trails in Spring through to Summer to provide striking contrast and light in part-shade areas.
Petrea 'Snow Stars' responds well to ordinary soil, needs full sun to part shade, and gives little or no trouble in the garden. Mulching will improve the maintenance factor making the plant easier to grow and flower. In its younger years, Petrea 'Snow Stars' needs to be protected from cold winters in its early years, but once established, it will flourish and develop quite thick stems.
In early Spring, just as the plants are coming back into growth, a fertilising application with a complete balanced fertiliser would be beneficial.
If planting as a free-standing shrub, a light trim may be necessary after flowering to maintain shape. In late Winter each year, take out weak and crowded growth and any unwanted shoots so the plant is easily maintained.
Wear gloves & wash hands after gardening.
