How to Prune a Vigna Caracalla Plant

Vigna caracalla, from the Fabaceae family, is commonly called several names, including snail vine, snail flower, climbing shell plant, corkscrew flower, Phaseolus giganteus, Phaseolus caracalla, snail shell and climbing shell plant. This plant is native to tropical South America and Central America. It is grown as an annual in cold regions and as a perennial in warmer locations. This fast-growing vine reaches 10 to 20 feet in one season and produces fragrant, showy flowers that attract butterflies, bees and birds. Caring for Vigna caracalla includes pruning.

Hand pruners

Instructions

- 1
  Clip any parts of the Vigna caracalla that are diseased, damaged or dead at any time. Make the cut into a healthy section of the plant at a 45-degree angle.
- 2
  Sterilize the pruners with alcohol before using them again, if you are removing diseased sections of the vine to avoid spreading the problem. Throw the removed parts of the plant away.
- 3
  Prune the Vigna caracalla as needed during the growing season to control the size and shape. Always try to allow the vine to appear natural when possible.
- 4
  Cut the vine back to the ground every two or three years if it is growing on trees. This allows the trees to remain unharmed.
- 5
  Trim the vine back every fall or early winter in areas with cold temperatures that typically kill the plant. Wait until the vine withers and dies first and then cut it back to the ground. In many locations, the vine will come back in the spring when it warms up again.

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