Vines are some of my favorite plants, and if the vines have beautiful fragrant flowers and edible fruits, then it’s even better.
Schisandra or Chinese magnolia vine is a twining climber plant with both. The plant is native to the Russian far east and northern China. It is similar in appearance to a clematis and can easily grow 10 to 20 feet in a season.
The leaves have been described to be slightly heart shaped with a citrus lemon scent. The fragrant white flowers appear in spring and by autumn produce bright clusters of red fruits. The leaves also turn a beautiful yellow in the fall.
These bright red berries remind me coffee berries and grapes at the same time. I would love to try growing one of these vines. They could start to bear fruit in 3 years. Photo from Fair Life.
Backyard Gardener’s website listed the following requirements for successful planting.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 9
Light Range: Part Shade to Full Sun
pH Range: 5.5 to 6.5
Soil Range: Sandy Loam to Clay Loam
Water Range: Normal to Moist
Since I am in Zone 9, this plant would do well. I mainly want to harvest them for the berries. As the dried berries are used in traditional Chinese medicine.
