Garlic creeper is a delight to grow as it shoots up very fast and when in bloom it is a sight to behold!
Plant Summary:
The name is derived because the leaves when crushed smells of garlic. The smell is because it contains sulphur compounds like alliin and allyl sulphides that the garlic has.
Garlic Creeper is a native to Amazon rainforests, but is grown widely in South India. The natives of Amazon use the leaves as a condiment to flavor their food.
Garlic Creeper is a beautiful ornamental vine with opposite leaves divided into two ovate leaflets. The flowers are funnel shaped and purple to pale lavender to white, which become lighter as they age.
Garlic Creeper can grow up to 12 to 14 feet and is propagated from cuttings. It climbs with the help of its long tendrils. It is usually used to decorate the fence, trellis etc., The plant needs to be trimmed after each flowering season. There is no flowering season for this plant as the buds appear after few days of trimming.
This garden plant requires well-drained soil with moderate watering. The vine grows well in full sun to half shade conditions.
Medicinal Value:
Garlic Creeper has a long history of use in herbal medical systems in Peru and Brazil as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic. Indian tribes in Amazon basin use the poultice of bark on bumps, swellings and inflammatory conditions of the skin.
An infusion or leaves in decoction is used for rheumatism, arthritis, uterine disorders and epilepsy. Leaves are also used as a common remedy for cold, flu, pneumonia, coughs, fever and headache.
Hi Shantha,
I loved this article and pictures as I am crazy about gardening and flowers. Do you know where I can buy a garlic vine from?
Thank You!
Roona
Hi Roona,
Thank you for visiting. If you are living in Bangalore, you can buy in Lal Bagh nursery.
Cheers,
Shantha
Thanks Shantha…I live in Ahmedabad but when I am in B’lore next, I’ll make it a point to go there and buy one…although I am not sure how well it’ll fare in this climate!
Roona
I have one of these lovely plants and was trying to find the name of it and was fortunate to find it on you site! Thanks again. South Africa
Hi Johan, Thanks for visiting and am happy that you found the information useful.
Cheers!
Shantha
Thanks Shantha. I have a piece of this beautiful creeper in my garden. However, I did not know much about this plant. I am enriched by your article. Thanks once again.
Tapan Mukherjee
Asansol, West Bengal
Hi Tapan,
I am glad you could identify the plant in your garden by visiting my website. Keep visiting.
Cheers!
Shantha
Hello Shantha. I have this in my garden. But was not knowing the name and properties. Thank you very much for the details. But my plant don’t have the aroma of garlic when crushed.
Hi shantha.. I have bought garlic vine from online store.. It has grown pretty well but there r no signs of flowers.. There r no such plant in my city as far as i know… What can do so that i can add another color in my gallery gardern the reason i have bought it
Hello
Hi Shanta
My question is how much time it’s flower for blooming?
This plant blooms quickly. There should be enough sunshine.
Very informative,thanks for the knowledge of caring for it and for telling me the correct name
You are welcome, Veron.