About

Kadsura coccinea, the crimson kadsura, is a vigorous twining evergreen climber with pointed, oval, mid-green leaves. Male and female flowers � which may be white, red or pale green � are carried on separate plants. On fertilised female plants, the flower boss develops into a spectacular, edible, red fruit to 10 cm across made up of many wedge-shaped segments. A rewarding climber for a sheltered, frost-free wall or heated greenhouse.

About the genus

Kadsura are dioecious, evergreen climbing shrubs with twining stems, simple, glossy leaves and solitary, cup-shaped flowers followed by large, fleshy, blackberry-like aggregate fruits. Native to East and Southeast Asia, they are grown in sheltered, frost-free gardens.

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Sub-tropical
Native toFar East

Care notes

CultivationGrow in a warm, sheltered position in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.
PruningPruning group 12, in winter
PropagationPropagate by seed, or by taking semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free
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