I know, I know! Ampelopsis brevipedunculata is invasive in parts of the United States, although I think that is the species, not the variegated cultivar Elegans’. But I have been growing this plant for 4 years now, and have not found a single seedling yet!
I know it is possible though, my mum grew this in Niagara, and had a few seedlings every year. But it was a very popular plant, everyone wanted it, so I really had to beg to get one, lol.
Luckily I got one and I chose to plant it in my Kitchen Garden.
I think it is a lovely plant with soft green and white variegated leaves that emerge with a pink cast in the spring.
But the berries are what the plant is grown for,
they are called porcelain berry for a good reason.
You can see why I chose this colour for the tower in the middle of the garden.
If you can’t identify what this tower was formerly, you can read about it here.
gardeningasylum said,
October 19, 2010 @ 6:13 AM
Hi Deborah, I’ve had this growing on arbors for 8-9 years and still get visitors telling me it’s invasive – ‘Elegans’ just isn’t. Over the years I’ve nurtured just a few babies and happy to have them! Love it on your blue structure 🙂
kilbournegrove said,
November 3, 2010 @ 7:25 AM
Good to know Cyndy, I do love it.
Anna said,
October 19, 2010 @ 6:13 AM
Oh what beautiful berries!
kilbournegrove said,
November 3, 2010 @ 7:25 AM
They really are like porcelain, aren’t they.
fairegarden said,
October 19, 2010 @ 6:39 AM
What a perfect color for that vine, Deborah! It looks perfect. The variegated is less invasive, I believe. My neighbor has it, it is eating his shed. Maybe it is more invasive here in the south?
Frances
kilbournegrove said,
November 3, 2010 @ 7:26 AM
I am sure that our cold weather keeps it in check, mine has not even eaten its tower yet.
Jane said,
October 19, 2010 @ 7:18 AM
I have had it growing on a trellis at my trailer for three years and it is growing quite slowly – I got the warnings too when I bought it but no problem so far. And the berry colours are to die for:) Well, not really…
kilbournegrove said,
November 3, 2010 @ 7:26 AM
It is gorgeous, isn’t it Jane.
Charlotte Snyder said,
October 19, 2010 @ 8:49 AM
Great reuse for the lovely blue trellis. I’ve never seen this vine variegated before, but I can say from personal experience the other down here in Florida is awful!
kilbournegrove said,
November 3, 2010 @ 7:27 AM
I guess our cold winters are good for something, Charlotte. Although all the comments seems to say the variegated is not invasive, glad I got that one.
Racquel said,
October 19, 2010 @ 9:29 AM
Those towers are a perfect compliment to the berries. You clever woman! 😉
kilbournegrove said,
November 3, 2010 @ 7:28 AM
Thanks Racguel, I felt a bit smug.
Laurrie said,
October 19, 2010 @ 9:47 AM
I love that snowy white variegation, I’d grow it just for that, never mind the interesting berries!
kilbournegrove said,
November 3, 2010 @ 7:30 AM
I love the foliage too Laurrie.
The Garden Ms. S said,
October 19, 2010 @ 11:47 AM
Hi Deborah, those berries *are* gorgeous! I read the link to find out what your tower was — clever girl. 😉
kilbournegrove said,
November 3, 2010 @ 7:31 AM
Thanks, Ms. S, I was pretty proud of myself.
lizdee said,
October 19, 2010 @ 12:37 PM
That’s way pretty. Porcelain berry isn’t too invasive here–I would love to plant that cultivar!
kilbournegrove said,
November 3, 2010 @ 7:32 AM
Do look for it lizdee, it is gorgeous all year (except winter) long.
ricki - sprig to twig said,
October 19, 2010 @ 1:19 PM
repurposing always makes me smile…your tower came out looking like an expensive purchase.
kilbournegrove said,
November 3, 2010 @ 7:32 AM
Thanks ricki, I was quite happy with it.
Rebecca @ In The Garden said,
October 19, 2010 @ 3:54 PM
So stunning Deborah!!! Those leaves are beautiful, and the berries are a perfect colour. Such great planning for a focal point in your kitchen garden.
kilbournegrove said,
November 3, 2010 @ 7:33 AM
Oh Rebecca, you make me blush, but keep up with the compliments, lol.
Edith Hope said,
October 19, 2010 @ 6:02 PM
Dearest D, What a perfect match! You are so clever at spotting the details in your plants and always such an eye for colour. That ‘ house blue’ is such a dynamic and interesting shade which works so well outdoors.
kilbournegrove said,
November 3, 2010 @ 7:34 AM
I do love that blue Edith, I have used it for years, and it always seems to compliment the plants in the garden.
Garden Walk Garden Talk said,
October 20, 2010 @ 12:42 AM
Love the berries and your tower. Great combo. But mostly, the leaf color adds textural punch.
kilbournegrove said,
November 3, 2010 @ 8:00 AM
I would grow it for the leaves alone.
Carolflowerhillfarm said,
October 20, 2010 @ 10:33 PM
It is a beautiful vine D. Cooler temps may keep it under control … love the last shot!! Great colors. ;>)
kilbournegrove said,
November 3, 2010 @ 7:35 AM
It must be the cooler (cold) temps, as I haven’t had any problems with it.
Joy said,
October 25, 2010 @ 9:05 AM
Deborah girl I am just catching up on blogs now .. I have had this gorgeous vine for about 7 or 8 years now and it is “Elegans” and it has not behaved badly at all AND I love those beautiful berries .. Do you have the chocolate vine ? I just started one of those this past season and I am really curious about the flower and scent etc .. Vines are great plants aren’t they ?
Joy
PS .. what made you leave your job ?
kilbournegrove said,
November 3, 2010 @ 7:56 AM
Good to know Joy, I don’t have to worry. A friend of mine in Kingston has chocolate vine, gorgeous and it does smell.
I can’t say yet why, but I am hoping to announce it soon.