Schizandra

Schizandra - A small group of summer-leafing climbing shrubs allied to Magnolia, and mostly from the Far East, but with one kind from North America. The best known is S. chinensis, with twining stems of 10 to 25 feet, bearing simple glossy leaves and pale rosy flowers during early summer, half an inch across and fragrant. These are followed by dense clusters of showy scarlet berries, which ripen in August and hang far into the winter. China and Japan. The plant needs a sheltered place if it is to do well, but with protection in winter is hardy over at least the south of Britain. A rich sandy loam, moist yet well-drained, and partial shade during the hottest hours of the day, are the best conditions. Though mostly grown against a trellis or sunny wall, in sheltered places it is quite at home roaming among shrubs and low trees, as in its own land. Increase by cuttings of the ripened shoots, root-cuttings, layers, and suckers when these can be had. Syn., Maximowiczia sinensis.