Photo: Forest & Kim Starr · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Smilax
Smilax is the florist's classic bridal vine — long, slender strands of small, glossy green leaves that drape and swag with effortless grace. Though sold as 'smilax', the material used today is usually Asparagus asparagoides rather than true Smilax. Florists prize it for garlands, table runners, arches and cascading installations where a fine, natural green line is needed. It dehydrates quickly once cut, so it rewards careful conditioning and last-minute placement.
| Family | Asparagaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Southern Africa |
| Peak season | June, July, August, September |
| Availability | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Stem length | 90–270 cm |
| Vase life | 5–10 days |
| Colors | green |
| Price tier | mid |
Cut the stem ends and submerge the whole strands in cool water for an hour or two to fully hydrate, as smilax dehydrates fast once cut. Store it misted and cool at 2-4°C and use it as soon as possible. Out of water it will only hold for a day, so install it late in the setup.
- •Submerge strands to fully hydrate before use
- •Keep cool and mist regularly
- •Handle gently — leaves bruise easily
- •Use soon after conditioning
- •Avoid direct heat and drafts
Bouquet Builder — by Lacy BirdDesign the bouquet. See it as a photo.
Botanical reference
- Common name
- African Asparagus Fern
- Also known as
- florist smilax, bridal smilax, African asparagus fern, Asparagus asparagoides, Asparagus kuisibensis, Asparagus medeoloides, Asparagus medeoloides angustifolius, Asparagus medeoloides falciformis, Asparagus medioloides, Dracaena medeoloides, Elachanthera sewelliae, Elachanthera sewellii
- Distribution
- Africa, Australia, Europe & Northern Asia (excluding China), North America, South America
Open-data sources: GBIF, Wikidata (CC0/CC BY)
Frequently asked questions
When is Smilax in season?
Smilax peaks in June, July, August, September, and florists can usually source it January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. Availability shifts by region and greenhouse supply.
How long does Smilax last in a vase?
Expect 5–10 days with proper conditioning — a clean vase, fresh water every couple of days, flower food, and a cool spot away from ripening fruit and direct heat.
What can I use instead of Smilax?
Good substitutes for Smilax include Asparagus Fern, Ivy, Ruscus. Match on look, colour and season — our substitute finder ranks the closest alternatives.
What does Smilax symbolise?
Smilax is associated with connection, endurance, devotion.
How do you care for cut Smilax?
Submerge strands to fully hydrate before use
Related flowers
Free to quote and cite with attribution and a link back, for non-commercial and editorial use (blogs, journalism, classrooms, research).
Lacy Bird Flower Encyclopedia — “Smilax”. https://lacybird.com/flowers/smilax/<a href="https://lacybird.com/flowers/smilax/">Lacy Bird Flower Encyclopedia — Smilax</a>