Here is a plant possessed of some of excellent multi-season interest
and yet it is rarely cultivateed. Its name is Idesia polycarpa. This unusual
deciduous tree is a native of China, Japan, and Korea, and is noteworthy for
its leaves and fruits. It is a hardy
member of a mostly tropical plant family and it has a very tropical appearance.
It has large, attractive leaves and a growth form which is more reminiscent of many
tropical trees, rather than a cold hardy species. It has a straight, tapered trunk
with smooth, light gray bark and widely spaced whorls of spreading, horizontal
branches. The heart-shaped leaves are large, up to 12” across, are borne on
pinkish petioles, and flutter from horizontal branches. Bronze at first, they
turn dark green above and whitish-green below in the summer. They turn yellow
in the autumn. In spring or early summer long spikes of fragrant,
yellowish-green male and female flowers are produced on different trees. One
male tree is sufficient to pollinate many females in the area.
This medium-sized tree produces an abundance of bright red, globose
berries that are in long, pendant clusters on the branches. The fruits ripen to
purple and they persist on the tree in the winter. They look stunning on the pale
gray, leafless branches in the winter. And not only are the fruits attractive,
but they’re edible as well. They provide a bounty to wildlife. Idesia is not
well known but is worth growing for its beautiful leaves and berries. It is
easy to grow, tolerant of wind, heat, and drought, and has no significant pest
or disease problems. It has a very fast
growth rate and can grow up to 2 feet per year. It reaches a height of up to 50
feet tall by 25 feet wide. It prefers a neutral to slightly acid loamy soil,
moist but well-drained. It succeeds in full sun or semi-shade. It is grown
in Europe, most of the US and Australia and New Zealand.
Growing Instructions
1. Soak the seed in water for several hours.
2. The seeds like moist, well-drained soil. Prepare a mixture of half
potting soil and half sand, perlite or vermiculite. Put the soil in a pot.
Water the mixture so that it is moist but not wet.
3. Put the seeds on the soil.
4. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil.
5. Water the seeds.
6. Place the pots in an area with warm temperatures in full sun or part
shade.
7. When the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.
Julian (verified owner) –
The seeds had a great germination rate
Alan (verified owner) –
Very healthy seeds! Well worth it.
Zohar (verified owner) –
These seeds came right up and started producing squash. Can’t ask for more than that.
Bryan (verified owner) –
Great seeds, I now have squash everywhere from this one pack of seeds
Edward (verified owner) –
The seeds had a great germination rate