Porcelain berry
Ampelopsis glandulosa · Vitaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around porcelain berry and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Summer (July-August)
- Fruits
- Blue-black berries when ripe (September-October)
- Mature size
- Up to 15 m in height
- Growth
- Fast and vigorous
- Hardiness
- Hardy down to -15 °C
- Origin
- East Asia (China, Japan, Korea)
- Soil type
- Well-drained, rich, undemanding
Care
Light exposure
Install the blue-fruited ivy in full sun or partial shade for optimal fruiting. Good light exposure promotes beautiful autumn foliage coloring and abundant berry production. It also adapts to partial shade, but with fewer fruits.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year after planting to ensure good root establishment. Once established, the plant tolerates relative drought well. During active growth periods (spring-summer), keep the soil slightly moist without waterlogging.
Soil
This climber prefers rich, well-drained and fertile soil. However, it adapts to various soil types, including slightly acidic or chalky soils. Enrich the soil with compost when planting to optimize growth.
Pruning and training
Prune lightly after fruiting or in late winter to control growth and prevent overgrowth. Guide the stems along their support (trellis, fence, pergola) during the first years. Pruning is not essential, as the plant develops naturally in a generous manner.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring to support growth. One to two applications per season is sufficient. Favor organic amendments (compost, well-rotted manure) which enrich the soil sustainably.
Diseases and pests
Ampelopsis glandulosa is generally robust and rarely affected by diseases. Occasionally watch for powdery mildew in conditions of excessive humidity. Good air circulation and watering at the base reduce risks. Young plants may attract spider mites in dry conditions.
Did you know?
Unlike its cousin the common ivy (Parthenocissus), Ampelopsis glandulosa produces beautiful small blue-black berries that are highly appreciated by birds in autumn, making it a valuable plant for creating biodiversity havens. Its scientific name "glandulosa" refers to the small glands present on its stems, a unique morphological characteristic in the Vitaceae family.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- GrapevineVitis vinifera
- Virginia creeperParthenocissus quinquefolia
- Boston ivyParthenocissus tricuspidata
- Amur peppervineAmpelopsis brevipedunculata
- Virginia creeperParthenocissus inserta
- MuscadineVitis rotundifolia
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.