How to Propagate Smilax subpubescens

Untangling the Secrets of Greenbrier Propagation: How to Grow More Smilax Subpubescens

Smilax subpubescens, better known as the “Greenbrier” or “Catbrier,” might be infamous for its prickly vines in the wild, but did you know this native plant offers fascinating foliage and ecological benefits for your garden? If you’re intrigued, propagating your own Greenbrier is a rewarding endeavor.

Before diving in, a word of caution: Greenbrier’s vigorous nature means it can become invasive. Be responsible and consider planting within a contained area or pot.

Methods for Multiplying Your Greenbrier:

While Greenbrier often spreads naturally through underground rhizomes, you can take charge and multiply your plants with these methods:

1. Rhizome Division:

• Timing: Early spring, just as new growth emerges, or in late fall after the foliage dies back.
• Method:
  1. Carefully unearth a section of established Greenbrier.
  2. Using a sharp, clean knife or spade, divide the rhizomes into sections, ensuring each piece has at least one healthy bud (“eye”).
  3. Replant divisions immediately in prepared soil, watering them in well.

2. Hardwood Cuttings:

• Timing: Late fall or early winter when the plant is dormant.
• Method:
  1. Select healthy stems, about the diameter of a pencil, from the current year’s growth.
  2. Cut these into 6-8 inch sections, making sure each cutting includes at least three buds.
  3. Bundle the cuttings together and store them in a cool, moist environment (like a plastic bag filled with slightly damp peat moss) until early spring
  4. In spring, plant the cuttings in a pot or directly in the ground, with at least two buds buried beneath the soil.

3. Seeds (Requires Patience!):

• Timing: Fall, after collecting ripe berries.
• Method:
  1. Extract the seeds from the berries and rinse them thoroughly.
  2. Cold-stratify the seeds by placing them in a moist paper towel inside your refrigerator for 60-90 days.
  3. In spring, plant the seeds in a seed-starting mix, barely covering them with soil.
  4. Be patient! Greenbrier seeds can be slow to germinate, sometimes taking several months.

Caring for Your New Greenbrier Plants:

• Sunlight: Greenbrier tolerates a range of light conditions but prefers partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
• Soil: Plant in well-draining soil. While Greenbrier is adaptable, it thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil conditions.
• Water: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first year after propagation. Once established, Greenbrier becomes more drought-tolerant.
• Support: Provide a trellis, arbor, or fence for your Greenbrier to climb. This plant loves to vine!

Enjoy the Bounty!

Propagating your own Smilax subpubescens is a fulfilling experience. Whether you’re adding visual interest to your garden with its lush greenery, providing a haven for wildlife, or exploring the medicinal properties of its roots, Greenbrier offers a fascinating journey for the plant enthusiast. Just remember to propagate responsibly and enjoy the rewards of this tenacious native vine.