Holboellia coriacea (18/11/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun (most flowers) to full shade (fewer flowers)
Flowering period: Spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 8m
Eventual Spread: 4m
Hardiness: 8b – 11
Family: Lardizabalaceae
Holboellia coriacea is a vigorous, evergreen climber. Its dark green leathery leaves are composed of three leaflets which are oblong with entire margins and up to 15cm long. Its are stems twining which enable this plant to climb. Its fragrant pale green/ pale purple flowers are monoecious and appear in auxillary clusters. Its pink/ purple fruit are sausage shaped and up to 6cm long.
Holboellia coriacea, commonly known as the Sausage Vine or China Blue Vine, is native to central China. In its native habitat it grows in scrubby thickets and mountain slopes. It was introduced into the UK by Earnest Wilson in 1907.
The etymological root of the binomial name Holboellia is named after the Danish ornithologist Carl Peter Holboell (1795-1856). Coriacea is from the Latin meaning ‘of leather’, in reference to this climber’s leaves.
The landscape architect may find Holboellia coriacea useful as a vigorous evergreen climber, suitable for climbing over structures or on trellis’.
Holboellia coriacea Leaf (18/11/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
Ecologically, Holboellia coriacea flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
Holboellia coriacea prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Holboellia coriacea requires little maintenance.
