Chirifu Evergreen Magnolia Vine

Kadsura japonica ‘Chirifu’

Other Names: Chirifu Kadsura Vine, Variegated Evergreen Magnolia Vine

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 8a-10b (7?) Find Your Zone

Plant Type: Evergreen Flowering Vine

Height or Length at Maturity: 6-12′

Width at Maturity: 3-6′
Spacing: 3-4′ apart to cover fences or trellis

Growth Habit / Form: Climbing, Dense, Spreading/Trailing, Twining, Twisted Branching, Upright

Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast

Flower Color: Cream to Soft Yellow
Flower Type: Single

Flower Size: .5-1″ in clusters
Flowering Period: Late Spring or Early Summer to Late Summer or Early Fall

Fragrant Flowers: Yes, nice!

Foliage Color: Green and White variegated

Fragrant Foliage: No

Sun Needs: Part Shade to Shade, avoid direct afternoon sunlight

Water Needs: Average

Soil Type: Clay (Amend to ensure good drainage), Loam, Sand, Silt

Soil Drainage: Moist But Well Drained

Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5

Maintenance / Care: Low

Attracts: Beneficial Pollinators, Visual Attention

Resistances: Deer – more info, Disease, Drought (moderate when established), Heat, Humidity, Insect

Description

A wonderful selection from the U.S. National Arboretum, Kadsura japonica ‘Chirifu’, commonly called Evergreen Magnolia Vine, features highly attractive glossy variegated green leaves speckled and streaked in white. The complex variegation is such that no two leaves look alike. The vine appears nearly white from a distance providing a luminous effect that can grace a shady corner or serve as a vertical shot of light in a mixed border. It produces uniquely fragrant creamy white flowers that look like a miniature magnolia bloom, hence the name. It is a moderate growing vine that might reach 6 to 12 feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide depending on the height and width of the support structure, making it a fine choice for growing on a trellis, fence, post, rail, arbor or arch. It will handle some morning sun or all-day filtered sun but do avoid direct afternoon sunlight. A hard-to-find vine that is sure to be a conversation piece and sensory attraction in the garden.

Landscape & Garden Uses

With vines growing 6 to 12 tall and 3 to 6 feet wide, depending on the height of the support structure, the Chirifu Evergreen Magnolia Vine is an ideal for use to climb on fences and rails, trellises or partitions, pots and poles, arches and arbors and any other structure that will support the vine. A fine addition to fragrance gardens, tropical look gardens, white theme gardens and shade gardens.

Spacing Recommendations: 2 to 3 feet apart to cover fences

Growing Preferences

The Chirifu Evergreen Magnolia Vine is easy to grow in a moist but well-drained sandy or loam soil in shade or part shade. It will tolerate morning sun or all-day filtered sun (bright shade). Amend heavy soils to ensure good drainage. Has moderate drought tolerance when established.

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