About
Kadsura japonica, the Japanese kadsura, is a strong-growing, twining evergreen climber to 4 m with oval to lance-shaped, shiny, dark-green leaves. Small, cup-shaped, yellowish-white flowers appear from summer to autumn, followed by clusters of bright-red fruits on female plants. A rewarding climber for a sheltered, frost-free wall or heated conservatory.
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 typeSand, Loam, Chalk
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitClimbing
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toKorea, Japan, Taiwan
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained, moist soil in sun or part-shade
PruningPruning group 12 in winter
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free