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Petraeovitex bambusetorum “Nong Noch Vine”
This unusual climber came to us several years ago via the Nong Noch Botanical
Gardens in Thailand. We were given a young propagation that had only a few green leaves
and was unidentified. With the promise of yellow flowers, we cultured this vigorous climber
hoping its identification would be easy.
It made itself at home in our greenhouses, growing by leaps and bounds and by mid-summer
buds began to form on the vining tips. When they opened the flowers trailed down 1’ to 2’
with a deep golden calyx and a cream-colored flower. We were pleased with the distinct
flower form and much to our surprise the blooms lasted for months. Even after the blooming
cycle was over, the chains of calyxes remained. Going out of bloom in early fall, its
vegetative growth resumed, growing with great speed throughout the winter.
In late spring, buds began to form and the flowering cycle began once again. After talking
with plant people in Florida , from where the first cutting came from, the folks a Blooming
Good Nursery in Homestead remembered the plant and its identification. The story being that
it had recently been discovered by a Thai plant explorer and had been tentatively identified
as Petreaovitex.
From our experience, the Nong Noch vine prefers warmer conditions. We have had mixed results
growing it in cool greenhouses during the winter. It doesn’t seem to have any problems with
insects with the possible exception of mealy bug, but only if other already infected plants
are nearby.
The root system is vigorous and apparently has no problems with root diseases. Flowering
usually doesn’t begin until it has “filled out,” meaning that it has climbed out 4’ to 5’.
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer on a regular basis. We recommend 1/2 tsp/gal. per week.
This will keep it green and growing. Any standard potting mix will work for soil; it seems
to adapt to a wide range of soil conditions.
Many possibilities await the gardener. Grow on a stake or trellis in container, or grow in
a 10-12” moss basket. A structure such as a fence or greenhouse frame would also work.
Remember to give this amazing vine height for a dramatic display.
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