China Blue / Sausage Vine

A champion of the evergreen climbing world, Holboellia coriacea is a vigorous, twining vine that brings an air of the exotic to any garden structure. It is prized for its thick, leathery, "architectural" foliage that remains a deep, glossy green throughout the year, providing a dense and reliable screen. In spring, the plant comes alive with clusters of pendulous, bell-shaped flowers—the males a delicate mauve and the females a pale, translucent green—which emit a powerful and intoxicating fragrance reminiscent of melon, jasmine, and citrus. If grown in a sunny, sheltered spot, these blooms are often followed by curious, sausage-shaped purple fruits that add a touch of the whimsical to its Autumn display. This versatile climber is perfect for covering large walls, pergolas, or fences where its year-round greenery and Spring perfume can be enjoyed up close.

Site: Sheltered, ideal choice for a south/west-facing wall
Soil: Any fertile, rich, well-drained soil
Position: Best in full sun; tolerates light, dappled shade
Season of interest: Evergreen, fragrant flowers in April-May; ornamental Autumn fruit
Hardiness: Hardy but likes protection from late Spring frosts
Height:  23ft (7m) Spread: 13ft (4m)

Image by peganum cropped, and licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0