Ideas 4 You

Porcelain Berry

Ampelopsis
A genus of deciduous vines that are related to Grapes. They are mostly known for attractive foliage as well as the berries that are produced in climates with hot summers. These plants should NOT be used be used in the humid mid-Atlantic and southeast U.S. where they may turn into noxious weeds and take over natural habitat. They are far less vigorous in Canada, New England and the Pacific Northwest...seeds typically do not ripen and germinate where the growing seasons are shorter.

Ampelopsis aconitifolia
A very fast growing vine, reaching up to 40 feet high, that is native to northern China. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 17 feet.
The fine-textured, pinnate or palmate leaves are up to 5 inches across.
The tiny flowers are followed by yellow to orange berries.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil.

Ampelopsis arborea ( Peppervine )
A vine native to eastern North America ( from Missouri to Maryland; south to Mexico to Florida ).

* photos taken on June 30 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC


Ampelopsis brevipedunculata ( Porcelain Berry )
A vigorous, tendril-climbing, twining, woody vine, reaching a maximum height of 66 feet. Porcelain Berry is native to China, Korea and Japan. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 20 feet. It has potential to become an invasive weed in much of the eastern U.S. and either should not be used in some areas or replaced with the cultivar Elegans
The 3 to 5 lobed, heart-shaped leaves, up to 6 inches in length, are smooth, deep green.
The tiny flowers are borne during late summer and are followed by small bright blue berries. Plants can bear fruit as early as the second year in growth. Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil.

Elegans
Much slower growing and controllable, with attractive variegated foliage. Prefers moist soil and partial shade. Cut back hard every 2 years.

* photo taken on Aug 3 2012 in Bayfield, Ontario

Ampelopsis cordata
A fast growing vine, reaching up to 8 x 23 feet in 10 years if growing on a fence. Some records include: growth rate - 4 feet.
Hardy zones 5 to 8.

Ampelopsis megalophylla
A very vigorous vine with huge double-pinnate leaves, up to 24 x 30 inches, composed of leaflets up to 6 x 2.5 inches. The fall color is often very attractive.
The fruits are glossy and purplish-black.
This western China native is hardy zones 5 to 8.