Schisandra grandiflora

The Schisandra grandiflora is a large deciduous vine, little known, yet fully hardy and of great ornamental value. This large perennial produces long, woody climbing stems, covered with large thick and darkly veined leaves. In spring or early summer, it is adorned with porcelain-like flowers with a delightful fragrance, ranging from pale pink to pure white. When a male and female plant are present, they are followed by clusters of red fruits with a waxy appearance and a tangy flavour. Easy to cultivate, it will thrive in partial shade in any well-prepared and well-drained garden soil.

Native to a vast area ranging from eastern China to the Himalayas, the Schisandra grandiflora is an unfamiliar plant in the schisandra family. This vine produces shiny purple-brown stems, reaching a height of 6m (20ft), capable of climbing trees. They are covered with large leaves measuring 10 to 14cm (4 to 6in) in length and 3 to 5cm (1 to 2in) in width. The leaves are dark green, ovate and pointed, with a thick texture and deep veins, carried by red petioles. Flowering occurs in May-June. The flowers are either male or female, and are borne by different individuals. They are cup-shaped, 4cm (2in) in diameter, with 7 to 10 petals ranging in colour from pure white to very pale pink. When they form, the fruits are gathered in loose clusters of small edible red fruits, not exceeding 6mm (<1in) in diameter.

Bright and fragrant, this beautiful vine from the forest edge will be satisfied with a partially shaded exposure and an ordinary, fertile and moist soil. It can be used, for example, to adorn a dead tree or a shaded wall. In the latter case, it will need to be trained. It will complement a collection of climbing plants from other regions such as Holboellia coriacea (Chinese blue vine), Ampelopsis glandulosa var. maximowiczii (blue-fruited creeper), Campsis capreolata, or Wattakaka sinensis.