Schisandra repanda

Schisandra repanda is a deciduous climber in the Schisandraceae family. Its native range covers Japan and Jejudo in South Korea. In Japan, it grows from southern Hokkaido through Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. It lives in woods within this temperate range. The RHS lists Schisandra nigra as a synonym. This species is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The plant can reach about 20 feet (6 metres) tall. Its climbing form suits a woodland garden or shaded edge. It loses its leaves each year. Flowers appear from May to June. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. A single plant cannot set seed on its own. Grow both sexes when seed production is the aim. The available species evidence gives no details of flower colour or fruit shape.

Give this climber rich soil that holds moisture but drains well. It can grow in sandy, loamy or clay soils. It prefers slight acidity, but accepts neutral and mildly alkaline ground. Added organic matter helps it cope with some alkalinity. Light woodland shade suits its needs. Shelter it from the strongest sun, and do not let it dry out. PFAF lists USDA zones 6–9 for this species. Its hardiness in Britain has not been fully tested. PFAF expects it to grow outdoors across much of Britain. Woodland shelter or a wall may help protect it. Late frosts can harm new spring growth.

The fruit is edible either fresh or cooked. It can also go into preserves or tea. PFAF gives it an edibility score of two out of five. That source reports no known hazards, medicinal uses or other uses. This does not establish safety for every person or pet. The supplied evidence names no pests or diseases. PFAF does not flag the species as weedy.

Propagation options include seed, cuttings and layering. Sow fresh seed in autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed needs a twelve-hour soak in warm water before spring sowing. Germination may take time and occur unevenly. Keep seedlings in light greenhouse shade for their first two years. Plant them out in early summer. Take heel cuttings from half-ripe wood in August. Keep these under glass through winter before planting in late spring. Long shoots can also be layered in autumn.