Rui Ren
Prinsepia uniflora
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
Prinsepia uniflora is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.8 m (6ft) by 3 m (9ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
Height (m): 1.8
Where it is found
Loess plateaux, areas intermediate between woodland and steppe. Sunny slopes, ravines in valleys, base of hills at elevations of 800 - 2200 metres.
E. Asia - N.W. China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit - raw or cooked. Juicy. The cherry-like fruit is about 15mm in diameter and contains one large seed.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Succeeds in any moderately fertile well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. The plants produce flowers and fruits better when they are growing in full sun. Hardy to about -20°c. This species is closely allied to P. sinensis. Flowers are produced very early in the spring and they are then easily damaged by frosts. The flowers are produced on the previous seasons wood. They are produced on old wood according to another report. Plants only fruit in Britain after long hot summers.
Propagating it: Seed - best if given 2 months cold stratification. Sow the seed in autumn if possible, otherwise in late winter or early spring in a cold frame in light shade. Germination may be inhibited by light. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle into individual pots. Grow them on in a greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist