A lush evergreen rainforest climber with glossy toothed leaves that quickly clothes a fence or pergola in deep green and tolerates shade. A hardy screening vine and popular indoor plant.
At a glance
- Plant type: Climber
- Mature size: 6 m H × 3 m W
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun, shade and low-light positions and full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Kangaroo Vine
Botanically, Cissus antarctica is a fast-growing climber in the Vitaceae family, native to New South Wales and Queensland. It reaches around 6 m tall and 3 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Cream green flowers appear in summer.
Where to grow Kangaroo Vine
Kangaroo Vine suits subtropical, warm-temperate and tropical climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun, shade and low-light positions and full sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Kangaroo Vine does best in free-draining and clay soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 1.8 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Kangaroo Vine does best with regular, moderate watering. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Prune Kangaroo Vine after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Kangaroo Vine in the garden
Kangaroo Vine earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge, pots and courtyard containers and a shade tree. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Combine Kangaroo Vine with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and subtropical climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Kangaroo Vine
Plant Sale lists Kangaroo Vine as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
