Schizophragma hydrangeoides

At a glance

Exposure: Full sun
Frost limit: −28.9 °C

Cultivation

Requires a moist leafy soil and some shade at the roots. An easily grown plant. The fully dormant plant is hardy to about -20°c. Plants do not normally require pruning, though any unwanted growth can be removed in the winter. Plants have a similar growth habit to ivy (Hedera helix) climbing trees by means of aerial roots or growing along the woodland floor. Some named varieties have been developed for their ornamental value.

Propagation

Seed - sow late winter to early spring in a greenhouse. Germination is usually fair to very good. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for their first winter, planting them out in late spring or early summer. Layering in spring directly into pots. A fair to good percentage. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 4 - 5cm with a heel, July in a frame.

Edible uses

Leaves - cooked.

Material uses

Plants can be allowed to sprawl and are then used as a ground cover for a shady position.

Habitat

Damp woods and thickets in mountains all over Japan.

Native range

E. Asia - Japan, Korea.