Garlic vine (Mansoa alliacea)
Care, watering, light and tips for Garlic vine on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Bignoniaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 4 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Garlic vine
Mansoa alliacea, commonly known as Garlic Vine, is a woody climbing vine belonging to the Bignoniaceae family, famed for the distinct garlic-like scent emitted by its leaves when crushed or rubbed. It produces beautiful tubular flowers that change color, starting purple and fading to lavender then white, creating an attractive multi-colored display. It is ideal for covering pergolas, fences, or walls, adding an exotic touch and a peculiar aroma to the garden.
Native range
Amazon Basin in South America
Care tips
It prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal flowering and vigorous growth. Watering should be regular, keeping the substrate moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season. It requires well-draining and fertile soil, enriched with organic matter. A common mistake is excessive pruning, which can reduce flowering; it's best to prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
How to save a dying Garlic vine
- Warning signs
- Yellow or brown falling leaves, dry and brittle stems, lack of flowering or wilting flowers.
- First aid
- Move to partial shade, water deeply if soil is dry, and check drainage. Prune dry stems.
- What kills it
- Excessive direct sun and prolonged drought. Also constant waterlogging of the substrate.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. It's quite resilient. Check roots if the problem persists.