|
Porcelain Berry - Ampelopsis
brevipedunculata
General Information: Once classified as Hedera, an ivy, and then as
Vitis, a vine, the genus Ampelopsis was created in 1803. Nobody
cared. In 1887, botanists finally took note when the genus was
further divided into Ampelopsis and Parthenocissus over some
small variations in structure. The end result is that there are
few common plants that fall into this genus, and we have two
almost unspellable names to remember.
The choice for bonsai is Ampelopsis brevipedunculata,
the wild grape or porcelain berry, although the Samsons recommend
the genus in general. A. brevipedunculata is a lovely creeping
plant with porcelain blue beries.
Lighting:
Likes lots of light, especially the variegated forms.
Temperature:
Can be grown as an indoor bonsai. The Samsons recommend that
it never be exposed to temperatures under 54F. However, the company
that sold me my Ampelopsis brevipedunculata claims that it should
be hardy in zones 6-9, and those who posted indicated that their
porcelain beries survived temperatures of 20F and below. Ampelopsis
should have a dormant period with leaf loss.
Watering:
Variable according to the growth of the plant. In winter, will
need little water, but in summer, it will drink, drink drink!
Feeding:
The Samsons recommend slow-acting organic fertilizer in spring
and autumn. I've been using Pokon Bonsai Food once monthly, and
it seems just fine. Heavy phosphorus feeding in autumn may help
to prevent winter die back.
Pruning and wiring:
In a relatively short time, Ampelopsis will form a gnarled, woody
trunk. It is very fast growing, and a natural creeper. Styling
it as anything other than weeping or cascade styles would be
a challenge, to say the least! It is easiest to develop a thick
trunk and a few nice branches, and then allow new growth to extend
each season. (It may be necessary to prune die back, in any case)
To keep the tree neatly styled, wait until 3-5 "eyes"
have developed, then prune to 1-2 "eyes" as necessary
throught the growing season. It can be wired during the spring
and summer, but wiring should be used sparingly and limited to
trunk and major branches. Ampelopsis can be leaf-pruned in late
spring or early summer to promote leaf reduction. The plant may
flower several times during the season. Murata recommends that
fruit from early flowers be removed, as it tends to have an unattractive
dirty white color, and deadheading will promote the appearance
of later flowers. Flowers from late in the season produce the
characteristically lovely blue berries.
Propagation:
From softwood cuttings in early spring, or by simple layering
in April-May. The plant may also be grown from seeds collected
from the berries, which must be cold treated and sown in spring.
Repotting:
Every second year in April. Depending on rate of growth, roots
may be pruned by up to half. Use basic soil mix, perhaps a bit
heavy on the organic components.
Pests and diseases:
Scale, mildew, black rot. The leaves are very susceptible to
insect damage; unfortunately, the leaves are also quite sensitive
to pesticide when sprayed. A systemic applied early in the season
may be the best solution. Trailing branches often die back in
the winter.
Some species suitable for bonsai:
- Ampelopsis brevipedunculata - porcelain
berry.
- Ampelopsis brevipedunculata 'Elegans'
- a stunning variety.
- Magenta stems contrast with green and
cream colored leaves and porcelain blue berries. Zones 6-9.
Bibliography:
Murata's "Four Seasons of
Bonsai"
Samsons' "Creative Art of Bonsai"
Species information from Coats' "Garden Shrubs and Their
Histories."
- Compiled by Sabrina Caine
Return to: Index by Botanical
Name or Index by Common Name
|