Schisandra chinensis aka Magnolia Vine

Schisandra chinensis is a woody vine in the Schisandraceae family. Its common names include magnolia vine and Chinese limonnik. Its native range spans the Russian Far East, northern China and central Japan. It grows in temperate regions, along mixed forest edges and beside streams. These wild sites often have sandy soil. In gardens, it suits woodland edges and partly shaded walls.

This deciduous climber winds its stems around a support. Garden plants reach 26–39 feet [8–12 metres] tall. Their spread reaches about 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres]. They take five to ten years to reach full size. Older stems become woody, while thin young shoots have red tones. The glossy leaves are oval or broader toward the tip. Small teeth line their edges. Leaves can reach about 0.46 feet [0.14 metres] long.

Small flowers appear from late spring into early summer. Each has a cup shape, with cream or pale pink colouring. Short flower stalks grow from the leaf axils. Pollinated female plants then bear hanging bunches of round fruit. The berries turn red or pink. Each berry measures about 0.02 feet [0.006 metres] across. Fruit clusters can reach 0.33 feet [0.1 metres] long. Grow both male and female plants to secure a crop.

Give this vine fertile soil that drains well but stays moist. It thrives in partial shade or light, broken shade. Full sun suits it where the soil stays moist. It accepts clay, loam, sand and chalk soils. It also tolerates acid, neutral and alkaline conditions. Choose a sheltered site and mulch the soil. Tie young shoots to their support until they establish. Prune in early spring. The RHS rates it H5 for UK hardiness. PFAF lists USDA zones 4–8. It suits courtyard gardens, cottage gardens and walls. The RHS reports few pest or disease problems.

The fruit has a sweet and sour taste. People eat it fresh, cooked or dried. Young leaves can also serve as a cooked vegetable. PFAF reports no known hazards, though this is not proof of safety in every use. The fruit has a long history in Chinese herbal practice. That history alone does not establish its medical effects. A sticky substance from fruit and branches has other uses. These include paper sizing and hair dressing. The dry wood has a pleasant scent. PFAF does not flag the species as weedy.