Pruning Corkscrew Vine for Fuller Growth and Winter Care

A gardener asked if trimming a corkscrew vine (Vigna caracalla) at the top of a trellis would encourage side branching.

Pruning and Overwintering

Tom confirmed that pruning the vine promotes side shoots and a fuller plant. As a tropical, it can be dug up in fall before frost, potted, and stored in a cool (non-freezing) garage or basement to go dormant until spring. Plants typically last about 10 years.

Regular pruning and proper winter storage extend the life and beauty of this tropical vine.