Chinese shrub with small purple-blue flowers and productive of flavorful red fruits. The mildly sweet edible fruits can be eaten fresh or dried. Grows to about 8 ft. While widely adapted, it is mostly found in alkaline soils with a pH of 8. Also known as Matrimony Vine or Wolfberry. The cultivar of these plants has been used commercially used and is known as the variety 'Ningxia #1'. From Northern China. Self fertile. **Can spread aggressively in some locations**
ZONE: 5-8
POLLINATION/BLOOM TIME: Self-fertile.
RECOMMENDED GROWING AND CARE:
Full sun, drought-tolerant once established, prefers ph 8 alkaline soils and lots of heat for good berry production. Needs sharp drainage. Large tomato cage over young plant can encourage more upright growth - branches tend to be lax and vine can droop and look more like a wide and spreading bush.
CHILL HOURS: n/a hours below 45F
DISEASE RESISTANCE: Similar to tomatoes. Diseases included anthracnose, early blight, and powdery mildew. Blossom end rot can be an issue as well if moisture levels are uneven.
SIZE AT MATURITY: 8' x 4' vine/shrub
