How to Grow Schizandra

Schizandra, also known as Chinese Magnolia vine, is a deciduous vine that has attractive small white flowers. A producer of edible berries, it grows well in warmer areas of the country: USDA zones 7 through 9. Schizandra is a climbing vine that twines around fences and pergolas and is good as an ornamental plant as well as an edible. The berries are called Wu Wei Zi, Chinese for five-flavored berry.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Seedlings
• Peat moss
• Support structure/posts
• Plant ties
• Pruning shears

1. Plant seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed, from early to late spring.

2. Choose an area with part shade to full sun and well drained soil. Check for drainage by watering the area until puddles form. If the water drains within four to five hours, the drainage is fine. If not, work peat moss into the soil.

3. Plant seedlings so that the root ball is completely covered. Space them 3 to 4 inches apart.

4. Plant near a fence, pergola, or install a trellis that does not block the sun. Use removable ties, such as twist ties, to hold the vines to the support structure. Check the ties and relocate as needed every one or two months.

5. Water during dry periods and keep the soil moist. Schizandra needs approximately 1 inch of water a week.

6. Pick berries when they are when they are brownish red from mid to late summer. Prune spent branches after blooming and harvesting to encourage a second set of blooms in late summer.

Tips & Warnings

• Seedlings are available from nurseries or can be ordered through plant catalogs. Plant schizandra near rhododendrons or other flowering plants. They do not take over garden beds. Schizandra is deer tolerant and can be used where deer are a problem. Use a general purpose fertilizer in the spring if the previous year's growth seemed stunted.
• Snails can attack schizandra early in the season. Use snail bait immediately if a problem is detected.

References

• Backyard Gardener
• Whatcom County Extension