The Curtain Creeper, botanically known as Tarlmounia elliptica or sometimes referred to by its older name Vernonia elaeagnifolia, is an ornamental perennial evergreen vine. It exhibits a rapid growth habit, quickly covering structures with a dense layer of foliage. The vine’s slender, pendulous stems are its defining feature, naturally cascading downward to create the lush, green, curtain-like effect from which it derives its common name. Cultivating this vigorous climber requires understanding its specific needs for site selection and structural manipulation.
Establishing the Curtain Creeper
Selecting an appropriate site that meets the vine’s light and soil requirements is essential for successful cultivation. The Curtain Creeper thrives best in full sun but tolerates partial shade, ideally receiving three to six hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient light exposure results in sparser foliage and a diminished growth rate.
The plant requires a well-draining, fertile growing medium rich in organic matter. The soil should maintain a slightly acidic to neutral pH, typically ranging between 6.0 and 7.5. Propagation is most commonly achieved using healthy, six to eight-inch stem cuttings planted in a rooting medium or directly into the prepared ground. Initial planting should be near the base of the planned support structure, allowing the young vine to climb upward before being trained to cascade.
Routine Watering and Feeding
Consistent, moderate watering is necessary, especially during the establishment phase and peak growing season. Water the plant thoroughly whenever the top one to two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. While established plants tolerate some drought, regular hydration promotes lush, dense foliage.
Reduce the frequency of watering significantly during the cooler winter months or any natural dormancy period to prevent root issues. To support the vine’s fast growth and high foliage production, apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer or a high-nitrogen liquid feed monthly throughout the spring and summer. Providing supplemental nutrients encourages a vigorous vegetative state, which is necessary for forming a thick, uniform green curtain.
Training for the ‘Curtain’ Effect
Achieving the signature cascade of the Curtain Creeper relies heavily on proper structural support and strategic pruning. Because the vine lacks strong natural climbing mechanisms like tendrils or aerial roots, it must be manually guided onto a robust structure such as a pergola, high arbor, or strong horizontal wires. The support must be high enough, ideally reaching at least six to eight feet, to allow the stems to hang down gracefully and create the vertical screen.
The initial training involves securing the main stems to the support until they reach the top of the structure. Once the vines have reached the desired height, a technique called structural pruning is employed to encourage the dense, weeping growth. Aggressively prune any lateral stems that attempt to grow away from the support or upwards, which directs the plant’s energy into the downward-draping, pendulous shoots.
This manipulation creates a thick canopy at the top, forcing the new growth to spill over and cascade naturally, enhancing the depth and uniformity of the green curtain. Maintenance pruning should be performed in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged woody sections, ensuring good air circulation and preparing the plant for the next season’s growth flush.
Managing Common Issues
While the Curtain Creeper is generally considered a resilient and low-maintenance plant, issues can arise, often related to environmental factors or minor pest infestations. Root rot is the most common health problem, typically occurring in heavy, poorly draining soils or from overwatering during cooler periods. Prevention is achieved by ensuring a porous soil mix and adjusting the watering schedule so the roots are not constantly saturated.
The vine can occasionally be targeted by sap-sucking insects like aphids, scale, or mealybugs, which cluster on new growth or the undersides of leaves. These pests are managed by regularly inspecting the foliage and applying horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
If the plant shows signs of reduced vigor, such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth, this often points to a lack of sufficient light or a nutrient deficiency. This requires relocation to a sunnier spot or an increase in nitrogen-based fertilizer. The plant is also sensitive to cold and frost; in temperate climates, it may require protection or be grown in a container that can be moved indoors during extreme cold.