Schizophragma integrifolium
Family: Hydrangeaceae
What it is like
Schizophragma integrifolium is a deciduous Climber growing to 12 m (39ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in July. 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. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 12
Where it is found
Rocky cliffs, sparse hillside forests and forest edges. Dense to sparse forests in valleys or on mountain slopes or summits at elevations of 200 - 2000 metres.
E. Asia - C. and W. China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The root and the climbing stem are carminative and refrigerant. Activates blood circulation, strengthens muscles and bones.
Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.
Refrigerant: Cools the body.
Other
Rating:
Plants can be allowed to sprawl and are then used as a ground cover for a shady position.
Ground cover: Ground Cover
How it is grown
Requires a moist leafy soil and some shade at the roots. An easily grown plant, it prefers a good loamy soil and plenty of moisture but is not fussy. Plants succeed in sun or shade, they flower better in a sunny position but will also succeed on a north-facing wall. In the hotter parts of Britain they prefer shade from the midday sun. Tolerating temperatures down to about -10 to -15°c, this species is not reliably hardy in the coldest parts of the country. Plants do not normally require pruning, though any unwanted growth can be removed in the winter. Plants have a similar growth habit to ivy (Hedera helix) climbing trees by means of aerial roots or growing along the woodland floor. Plants might need some help to become attached in their early years.
Propagating it: Seed - sow late winter to early spring in a greenhouse. Germination is usually fair to very good. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for their first winter, planting them out in late spring or early summer. Layering in spring directly into pots. A fair to good percentage. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 4 - 5cm with a heel, July in a frame. Keep the cuttings moist.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Ground Cover; North Wall. By. East Wall. By.
Habit: Climber
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist