Re: Wonga-wonga Vine Questions

Hi Carol -

Sorry to hear about your Wonga Wonga.  I think it should grow back - it might
take a bit, but it should based upon all that I've read and seen discussed on
the internet among Australians.  I would certainly leave it for at least a
year before you give up, but I suspect you will notice sprouting long before
then.

The last plant I dealt with sprouted from bare trucks pretty routinely,
suggesting to me that there should be no problem.

I agree, this is a wonderful vine.  The evergreen foliage is very clean and
shiny, attractive all year.  The clusters of flowers are charmingly held in
semi-dropping panicles.  Though individually small, their number makes a good
show for a significant period.  The white form you have is quite stunning.
There is also a pale yellow (the color of the pale yellow Banksaie Rose) and a
sunset-orange new cultivar (to California) sometimes called 'Golden Showers'

While known to be a thug in some areas, in our summer dry climates their
aggressiveness is moderated to a 'vigorous' level.  But I would warm anyone
planting them near trees - they would happily abandon pergolas and arches for
high tree branches any time!

I've seen no diseases to speak of on these vines.  Deep watering is
appreciated, though established specimens are tolerant of dry conditions.

Seán A. O'Hara
sean(at)gimcw.org
www.hortulusaptus.com

> I have a lovely Wonga-wonga vine (Pandorea pandorana 'Snow Bells').
>
> We were doing some routine pruning today and when I came back outside
> after going in to answer the phone I found that my DH (Dear Hubby)
> had cut the whole thing back!  I had him pruning some rather long,
> thick runners that had gotten out of hand and he somehow thought I
> meant to keep going and cut the whole thing.
>
> It is about eight years' old, main stems are about 3/4 to 1 inch in
> diameter.  He cut it about four feet above ground and there are two
> or three main stems and 2-3 smaller, thinner ones. no leaves left at
> all.  DH is not a gardener and usually not left alone, especially
> with pruning shears in hand.
>
> I deep watered and fertilized with a mild kelp-based fertilizer.
>
> Do you think I have any chance of getting it to grow back?  (It had
> been crawling over a pergola that extended over my kitchen French
> doors and I am just sick about losing it -- such bright shiny green
> leaves all year long and the white flowers in March are simply stunning.
>
> I live in Sunset zone 17, about three miles in from the southern tip
> of San Francisco Bay.  The vine was growing in a sheltered side yard
> that gets good summer heat and day long sun.
>
>   A related question:  Does anyone know where this might be for sale
> in the greater San Francisco Bay area, or via mail order?  i remember
> I looked for years before I found this one from a small boutique
> grower who has since retired and gone out of business.
>
> Thanks in advance for any advice.
>
> Carol
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