Coral Plant
Berberidopsis corallina
Family: Flacourtiaceae
What it is like
Berberidopsis corallina is an evergreen Climber growing to 5 m (16ft 5in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 5
Where it is found
Deep, moist ravines in woodlands within the coastal belt. This species is quite possibly extinct in the wild.
S. America - Chile.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The stems are quite flexible and are used in basket-making.
Basketry: Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.
How it is grown
Prefers a deep, moist, humus-rich soil and a position where it is sheltered from drying winds and strong sunlight. This species will tolerate a slightly alkaline soil if peat or some other acid medium is added, but it is not really suited to chalky soils. This species is not very hardy outdoors in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -10°c so long as this is not for prolonged periods. It succeeds in the more westerly areas of the country, but in general needs the protection of a wall and will succeed on a south-facing wall so long as it is protected from winds from that quarter. If the top-growth is cut back by winter cold, the plant can re-sprout from the rootstock. A climbing plant, growing up through trees and shrubs and supporting itself by twining around them. The plant usually forms fruit in Britain, but the seed is seldom fertile.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a warm greenhouse in early spring. The seed can take 12 months or more to germinate and there is usually a poor germination rate. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots. Grow them on a shady part of the greenhouse for at least their first winter and then plant them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frost. Consider giving the plant some protection from the cold for their first winter or two outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Layering.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; North Wall. By.
Habit: Climber
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade
Moisture: Moist