Ampelopsis brevipedunculata “elegans” or the ‘porcelain berry’. A climbing vine from North East Asia, fast growing and hardy with attractive deep green 3 lobed leaves and small pale green flowers.
It is ‘self clinging’ and tend to become a little invasive if planted in the wrong position.
Small berries follow flowers, these are a turquoise blue. Part shade to full sun. Ampelopsis brevipedunculata “elegans” can be invasive.
Some publications indicate that the berries are edible, however we have not seen evidence of this this and would suggest it is used for ornamental purposes only.
All indications are that the berries are bitter and not very tasty and we would avoid eating them.
Care
Easily pruned back hard in winter or in early spring.
Problems
Although it is an attractive plant it is invasive, we do not recommend growing it except in controlled conditions.
One of the issues is that birds do eat the berries, they then spread them into forested and wooded areas. So even if you keep the plant under control in your garden, you will be contributing to its spread.
