Parthenocissus himalayana

At a glance

Exposure: Full sun
Frost limit: −6.7 °C

Cultivation

Requires a well-drained moisture retentive fertile soil and a sunny position. This species is not very hardy outdoors in Britain, it succeeds in the milder areas of the country where it is best grown on an east or west facing wall. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. Fruits are only produced after a long hot summer. A climbing plant, supporting itself by means of adhesive tendrils.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Germination is variable. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm taken at a node (ensure that it has at least 2 true buds), July/August in a frame. Basal hardwood cuttings of current seasons growth, 10 - 12 cm long, autumn in a frame. Layering.

Edible uses

Fruit - raw or cooked and is carried in small bunches like grapes.

Material uses

Plants can be allowed to sprawl on the ground, making a good ground cover when spaced about 3 metres apart each way. They are very vigorous, however, and would soon swamp smaller plants[K].

Habitat

Climbing over rocks, 1200 - 3300 metres in W. China.

Native range

E. Asia - China to the Himalayas.