How to Grow Schisandra
Schisandra chinensis
Schisandra is a vigorous deciduous climbing vine grown for its clusters of red berries with a unique five-flavour taste. It needs a sturdy trellis and a sheltered spot with partial shade to full sun. Most plants are dioecious — plant both sexes unless you have a hermaphrodite form. Expect 3-4 years before good crops; once established it is long-lived and relatively low-maintenance.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring as growth begins. A light potash-rich feed after flowering encourages berry development.
Watch For
- Aphids
- Scale insects
- Powdery mildew
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Grows well in full sun to partial shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch. A sheltered position protects the flowers from late frosts.
Watering
Regular moisture; keep evenly moist
Water regularly, especially during the first two seasons and through dry summers. Schisandra prefers moist, well-drained soil. Do not let the roots dry out.
Fertilizing
Balanced feed in spring; light potash after flowering
Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring. A light potash-rich feed after flowering supports berry development.
Pruning
Late winter thinning of old and weak canes
Remove dead, weak, and congested canes in late winter. Tie new growth to the support structure as it extends. Thin basal shoots each year to maintain airflow.
Spacing
1.5 m apart along a trellis or support
Space plants 1.5 m apart along a trellis or pergola. Allow each plant 2 m of lateral spread for best fruiting.
Support
Sturdy trellis or pergola required
Schisandra is a twining vine that needs a robust trellis, pergola, or wire framework. Train new shoots to the support from the first year.
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 150 cm |
| Row spacing | 200 cm |
| Mature height | 500 cm |
| Mature spread | 200 cm |
