Culture
Winter hardy to USDA Zones 7-9 where it grows in average, moist but well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. This is a dioecious vine which requires both male and female plants in order for fruit to appear on the female. Prefers some part shade in hot summer climates.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Schisandra rubriflora is a twining, deciduous, perennial vine that grows on woody stems to 20-30' long. Dark red flowers bloom in late spring (May-June). Pollinated flowers on female plants give way to fleshy, berry-like, dark red fruits in drooping spikes. Obovate to elliptic dark green leaves (to 4-6" long) turn yellow in fall. Woody stems. Native to forested areas in China (Sichuan and Yunnan) northern areas of India and Mayanmar. Synonymous with and formerly known as Schisandra grandiflora var. rubiflora.
Genus name comes from the Greek words schizo meaning to divide and aner or andros meaning male in reference to the well separated anther cells.
Specific epithet means red-flowered.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
Sun-dappled areas of the landscape. Woodland margins. Walls. Arches. Scramble along the ground.