Kadsura coccinea
crimson kadsura
K. coccinea is a twining evergreen climber with pointed, oval, mid-green leaves. Male and female flowers are carried on separate plants and may be white, red, pale green or a combination, with a large central boss composed of very short stamens or styles. On fertilised female plants this develops into an edible, red fruit up to 10cm across, made up of many wedge-shaped segments
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Red White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Red | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Schisandraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Climbing
- Genus
Kadsura are dioecious, evergreen climbing shrubs with twining stems, simple glossy leaves and solitary cup-shaped flowers followed by fleshy, blackberry-like fruits
- Name status
Unresolved
- Plant range
- Himalaya, China, Indochina
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a warm, sheltered position in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.
Propagation
Propagate by seed, or by taking semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Sub-tropical
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 12, in winter
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.