Schisandra rubriflora F

A unique female form recommended for connaisseurs looking for original, outstanding plants. Looks pretty against a house wall. When blooming, it is best admired at a close distance.

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE: Flowers decorative, small, ca. 2.5 cm across, dark red , single, overhanging on long stalks growing from leaf axis; opening in April-May. Fruit also dark red, pea-sized, gathered in overhanging clusters.  To obtain fruit, a male plant of the same species should be planted in a vicinity.  Leaves decorative, small, ca. 6 cm long, ovate, green.

HOW IT GROWS: A climber; shoots twinning around supports. Moderate growing strenght, reaching 3-4 m height with an annual growth rate of 1 m.

WHERE TO PLANT: Prefers wind-protected sites, well-lit but not overheated. Requires fertile, moist but not waterlogged soil. Not fully hardy (Zone 6-8). Susceptible to freezing during harsh winters.

HOW TO PLANT AND MAINTAIN: Before planting immerse the plant container in water for 10-30 min. Place the plant in a 40 x 40 x 40 cm hole covered at the bottom with a 10 cm layer of well-rotten manure or compost, 0.5-1 cm deeper than it was before. Fill in the hole with fertile soil. Plant at least 30 cm from walls or other plants. The strongest shoots should be tied to supports so that they grow vertically. Prune moderately if necessary. Remove weak or diseased shoots. Fertilize from April and water abundantly during vegetative season.

HOW TO APPLY: Particularly useful for growing in wind-protected sites, e.g. near walls. When blooming, it is best admired at a close distance.

ORIGIN: China.