Porcelain Berry.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Deciduous vine

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

Vining, can reach 15-20 feet or more

Growth rate

fast

Hardiness

USDA 4 to 8

Bloom time

Summer

Care

Provide support for climbing and prune as needed to manage its size. Watch for signs of invasiveness in your area, as it can spread aggressively through birds dispersing its seeds. It tolerates a range of conditions but thrives with good air circulation.

Watering

Water regularly when the top inch of soil feels dry, reducing frequency in cooler weather.

Feeding

Generally does not require supplemental feeding, but a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring can be beneficial if growth is slow.

Pruning

Prune in late winter or early spring to control size and shape, and remove any dead or damaged stems.

Repotting

Rarely needs repotting due to its vigorous growth; repot only if root-bound, typically in early spring.

Soil

Well-draining loam

Soil pH

5.6-7.5

Temperature

-29 to 29°C

Humidity

30 to 60%

Safety

People

Ingestion of the berries can cause mild gastrointestinal distress.

Pets

This plant is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Children

The berries are not considered highly toxic but should be kept away from children to prevent accidental ingestion.

Contact allergens

No significant contact allergens are commonly reported.

Airborne allergens

Pollen may cause seasonal allergies in sensitive individuals.

Edibility

Berries are not typically eaten by humans and may cause stomach upset.

How to identify it

• Heart-shaped, toothed leaves
• Vining growth habit
• Clusters of small, iridescent berries
• Berries change from green to lilac, then turquoise
• Peeling, reddish-brown bark on older stems

Height

4.57 to 6.1m

Spread

1.52 to 3.05m

Leaves

green, deciduous

Flowers

green, white, 0.2 to 0.4cm

Fruit

green, lilac, blue, turquoise, purple, Late summer to fall

Common problems

• Invasive Spread — Aggressively spreads via birds consuming its fruit and can outcompete native vegetation.
• Powdery Mildew — A fungal disease that appears as white, powdery spots on leaves and stems.

Growing it

Propagation

Cuttings, Seed

When to plant

Spring, Fall

Because it's an aggressive grower, pair it with other vigorous plants that can hold their own, or use it where its spread can be monitored.

Grows well with

• Virginia Creeper — Both are vigorous vines that can tolerate similar conditions and are often found growing together in similar habitats.
• Japanese Honeysuckle — This is another fast-growing vine that can co-exist with porcelain berry, though it too can be invasive.
• Trumpet Vine — A vigorous climber that can share vertical space with Ampelopsis glandulosa, provided adequate support.

Keep away from

• Native Vines — Porcelain berry can aggressively outcompete and smother slower-growing native vines, disrupting the local ecosystem.
• Invasive Grasses — These grasses can invade disturbed areas where porcelain berry is present, competing for resources and creating dense monocultures.

Similar species

• American Grape — Both are tendril-climbing vines with lobed leaves, though grape leaves are typically larger and more deeply lobed.
• Boston Ivy — This vine also has lobed leaves and climbs aggressively, but its leaves are usually 3-lobed and it has adhesive discs for climbing rather than tendrils.
• River Grape — Similar tendril-climbing habit and lobed leaves, but River Grape leaves are typically smaller and less heart-shaped at the base.

Science

Family

Vitaceae

Genus

Ampelopsis

Order

Vitales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Eastern Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Russian Far East).

Conservation

This species is considered invasive in many parts of North America and is often aggressively managed.

It typically grows in open woodlands, thickets, and disturbed areas, often climbing over other vegetation.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, fruit for birds

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Uses

ornamental, erosion control

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is porcelain berry edible?

The berries are not generally considered edible for humans and may cause stomach upset if consumed.

How fast does Ampelopsis glandulosa grow?

This vine is a vigorous grower and can easily reach lengths of 15 feet or more in a single year.

Is porcelain berry invasive?

Yes, Ampelopsis glandulosa brevipedunculata is considered invasive in many regions, particularly in North America, due to its rapid spread and ability to displace native plants.

What conditions does it prefer?

It thrives in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soil.

Where the name comes from

The genus name 'Ampelopsis' comes from Greek words meaning 'grape-like', referring to its resemblance to grapevines. 'Glandulosa' means 'gland-covered', and 'brevipedunculata' describes its short flower stalks.

Good to know

• It can grow up to 15 feet in a single season.
• The 'brevipedunculata' in its scientific name refers to its short flower stalks.
• It is dioecious, meaning individual plants are either male or female.