How to Grow a Porcelain Berry Vine

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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When instant gratification from a perennial vine is required, the porcelain berry (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata) is first in line. This is a plant that can grow, flower, and set its fruit almost immediately upon planting. Deep green leaves are the backdrop for its humble flowering in July. But, its green berries that turn shades of blue and black make this a worthwhile garden addition.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Porcelain berry vine
Shovel
Water
Mulch, compost or other organic material

Step 1

Determine a planting location. Plant the porcelain berry vine in a location that receives full sun. The vine is adaptable to all types of soil, but it should be moist and well-drained.
Step 2

Prepare the planting hole. Dig the planting hole twice the width of the container in which the specimen was growing. The hole should be at the same depth as the container.
Step 3

Prepare the vine for planting. Most specimens will be purchased containerized. To remove the plant for planting, gently tap the pot on the ground to loosen the roots. Carefully ease the vine from the container.
Step 4

Position the plant. Place the porcelain berry vine in the prepared planting hole. Backfill the original soil and gently firm it around the plant. Water the transplant well.
Step 5

Mulch around the vine. Spread a thin layer of mulch over the planting site to prevent weeds and retain moisture.

Tips & Warnings

The porcelain berry vine grows well in hardiness zones 4 through 8.
Provide the porcelain berry vine with a trellis, fence or other structure on which to climb.
To keep it under control, the porcelain berry vine should be cut back to the ground in late winter.
Japanese beetles are fond of the porcelain berry vine. Spraying with an insecticide formulated to discourage the beetles can be helpful.
This is an extremely fast growing vine that is known to be detrimental to other plant life. Choose a location that will make it difficult for the vine to grab trees or shrubs. By regularly monitoring the plant and pruning when necessary, it can be successfully contained.