Stauntonia hexaphylla aka Stauntonia Vine

Stauntonia hexaphylla is a climber in the Lardizabalaceae family. It keeps its leaves all year. It comes from South Korea and central and southern Japan. There, it grows in lowland woods and thickets. Its woody stems wind around nearby plants or garden supports. Growers value its leaves, sweet-scented flowers, and fruit. Some growers in Japan raise it as a fruit crop.

Plants reach about 26–39 feet [8–12 metres] tall. They spread about 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres] wide. The RHS says they take five to ten years to mature. The RHS describes strong growth. Useful Tropical Plants, though, lists a moderate growth rate. Most leaves have three to seven leaflets. Each leaflet is oval, tough, and leathery. The leaves stay on through the year, keeping supports covered.

Flower clusters, called racemes, grow from the leaf axils. These are the points where leaves meet the stem. The dull pink blooms have a sweet scent. Each flower is about 0.07 feet [0.02 metres] long. Fruits with purple tones sometimes follow the flowers. They have an egg shape. They reach about 0.16 feet [0.05 metres] long. Insects pollinate the blooms. Growers may do this by hand as well. Useful Tropical Plants says the species is not self-fertile. That source also notes that female plants sometimes bear fruit without a male nearby.

Choose a warm wall, sheltered from harsh weather. The plant accepts full sun or part shade. It needs rich soil that drains well but stays moist. Chalk, loam, and sand suit it across a broad pH range. Useful Tropical Plants suggests shade for the roots and sun for the stems. The RHS rates it H3, for mild UK districts. Another source says dormant plants can briefly stand cold near −10°C. Frost can still harm young growth. In colder places, grow it in a pot. Bring it indoors for winter.

This climber suits borders by walls and the edges of woods. The RHS reports few pest or disease problems. Grow new plants from seeds or semi-hardwood cuttings. These cuttings use stems that have partly firmed up. Once plants settle in, their side shoots may need pruning. Do this in summer and early spring. Eat the sweet, juicy fruit fresh or cooked. Sources report no known hazards. This does not prove safety in all cases. Past uses as remedies include the roots, stems, and fruit. These reports do not prove that such treatments work or are safe.