Five-flavour berry (omija) Schisandra chinensis
Five-flavour berry (omija) (Schisandra chinensis) is a deciduous perennial fruit plant in the Schisandraceae family, native to Korea, northern China and the Russian Far East. It grows 4–8 m (13–26 ft) tall and 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
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Five-flavour berry (omija) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Schisandraceae |
| Mature height | 4–8 m (13–26 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: berries (omija tea and drinks) |
| Native to | Korea, northern China and the Russian Far East |
| Common in gardens of | 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇨🇳 China, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇯🇵 Japan |
Is Five-flavour berry (omija) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Can interact with some medicines.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Five-flavour berry (omija)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Five-flavour berry (omija)
- How far apart should I plant Five-flavour berry (omija)?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft).
- Does Five-flavour berry (omija) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Five-flavour berry (omija) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Five-flavour berry (omija)?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Five-flavour berry (omija) flower?
- From about May for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Five-flavour berry (omija) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Can interact with some medicines.
- What grows well with Five-flavour berry (omija)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Five-flavour berry (omija). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Korea National Arboretum: Korean plant names and distribution, Korea Forest Service
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- A twining vine bearing hanging strings of red berries said to taste sweet, sour, salty, bitter and pungent. Most plants are single-sex.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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