Schisandra henryi
Family: Schisandraceae
What it is like
Schisandra henryi is a deciduous Climber growing to 6 m (19ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in flower from April to May. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile. 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 full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 6
Where it is found
Thickets, in rich forests and woodland. Forests, ravines, slopes and thickets at elevations of 500 - 2500 metres.
E. Asia - China from W. Hupeh to Szechwan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Fruit - raw or cooked.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a rich well-drained moisture retentive soil. Prefers a slightly acid soil but tolerates some alkalinity if plenty of organic matter is added to the soil. Requires some protection from the most intense sunlight. Plants succeed in quite deep shade and are suitable for north-facing walls. Plants are intolerant of drought. Plants are not very cold-hardy in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -7°c. They succeed outdoors in the milder areas of the country, especially if given the protection of woodland or a wall. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. A very ornamental plant, it climbs by twining around supports. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown in the autumn in a cold frame. Pre-soak stored seed for 12 hours in warm water and sow in a greenhouse in the spring. Germination can be slow and erratic. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for their first 2 years. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, August in a frame. Overwinter in the greenhouse and plant out in late spring. Good percentage. Layering of long shoots in the autumn.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; North Wall. By. East Wall. By.
Habit: Climber
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade
Moisture: Moist