About
Schisandra sphenanthera, the southern magnolia vine, is a deciduous, twining climber to 7 m with obovate, minutely toothed leaves 5�10 cm long. Small, pendulous, orange-red flowers about 1.5 cm wide on slender stalks in late spring and early summer are followed by scarlet-red berries. A rewarding and ornamental climber for a sheltered, moist, semi-shaded garden.
About the genus
Schisandra are deciduous or evergreen, monoecious or dioecious, twining shrubs with alternate leaves and solitary or clustered flowers borne in the leaf axils in spring or summer. Female plants produce elongated spikes of colourful berries in autumn. Excellent climbers for sheltered, moist, semi-shaded positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toW China
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningPruning group 12 in early spring
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe. Propagate by softwood cuttings (greenwood) in early or mid-summer or semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free