Stauntonia hexaphylla

Common Names

Six-Leaf Stauntonia, Rosenbecher, Mube, 野木瓜, Stauntonia Vine

Summary

An evergreen climber native to East Asia, notably Japan, Korea, and parts of China, that twines to reach 8–12 m in height and 1.5–2.5 m in spread. Leaves are composed of 3–7 leathery leaflets with glossy dark green surfaces; racemes carry fragrant white flowers (sometimes with violet tinges) about 2 cm long, followed by purple, edible, ovoid fruits up to 5 cm long.

Prefers sun to partial shade on fertile, well-drained soil and is well suited to walls or sheltered locations; propagation by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings; dioecious, requiring both male and female plants for fruit, though fruiting can occur on females without a pollinator in some cases. Hardiness around USDA zones 9–10, with outdoor cultivation limited in colder regions, so container culture and indoor overwintering are advisable in cool climates. Used ornamentally for wall coverage and as a fruit crop, with edible purple fruit and fragrant flowers providing seasonal interest.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

20-39 ft

Spread

1-2 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

5.5-6.8, mildly acidic to mildly alkaline soils including neutral, broad pH tolerance

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

No fall color (evergreen)

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Medium

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds