Kadsura

Kadsura

Kadsura japonica
A fast growing, twining, evergreen vine, reaching up to 15 feet in height, that is native to eastern Asia ( South Korea, China, Japan and Taiwan ). It is great for use on trellises.
The thick, elliptical leaves, up to 4 inches in length, are glossy deep green. It is usually not evergreen north of zone 8.
The fragrant, creamy-yellow flowers, up to 0.8 inches in width, are borne on axilliary clusters.
They are followed by pendulous, scarlet-red fruits, up to 1 x 1.2 inches, that are borne from the leaf axils on a 1.5 inch stalk.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 ( 6 with protection ) in partial to full shade on moist, fertile, deep, light, well drained soil.

'Chirifu'

* photos taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photo taken on Oct 17 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

'Fukurin'
Very attractive, Hoya-like leaves that are variegated with a broad creamy-white edge. The variegation may turn rosy-pink during winter.
Reported to be hardy even in zone 5.