Schisandra chinensis 'Sadova No.1'

The Chinese magnolia vine 'Sadova No.1' (Schisandra chinensis), also known as wu wei zi, is a Ukrainian, self-fertile variety with heavily bearing, edible fruits. The decorative white-cream flowers appear from May to June and announce the formation of the bright red berry clusters, which ripen from August to September. The fruits, leaves and bark contain valuable schisandrins, vitamin E and trace elements such as iron, copper, manganese, zinc and magnesium. In traditional Chinese medicine, the magnolia vine has been used for centuries to strengthen the nervous and respiratory systems, for digestion and to tone the body.

Growth and appearance: The frost-hardy, deciduous climber reaches a growth height of up to 10 m and grows robustly on fences, pergolas, arbours or supports. The green leaves turn a decorative yellowish in autumn and harmonise with the bright fruits.

Location and care: Schisandra 'Sadova No.1' prefers sunny to partially shaded locations on nutrient-rich, moist, well-drained soils without waterlogging. The plant is low-maintenance and frost-hardy (zone 5A–8). The first fruits appear from the 4th–6th year after planting.

Use: The berry clusters can be used raw, dried or processed into syrup, liqueur, tea or extracts. A tea made from the leaves tastes slightly of green tea with lemon and has a tonic and adaptogenic effect. The Chinese magnolia vine is suitable not only as a medicinal plant but also as a decorative and edible enrichment for fences, pergolas, arbours or building façades.

Special features: The variety combines ornamental value, culinary use and medicinal tradition. It is particularly recommended for gardens in which visual impact and health-promoting use are to be combined.