Wu Wei Zi, Chinese Magnolia Vine 'Eastern Prince'

While S. chinensis is not dioecious as sometimes believed, it isn't effectively self-fertile, which is typical among members of the genus...Read More. "Eastern Prince" however, is claimed to be a self-fertile cultivar of S. chinensis that was selectively bred by Soviet scientists in the interest of cultivation.

Seeds for members of this genus are notoriously stubborn germinators, and need a sequence of moist warm, cold, warm stratification for best results. Oscillating warm/cold temperatures have proven most effective in my experience.

Unless one is located in a mountain valley at elevation that provides cool, misty summers, as often depicted in its native range, this species should be kept in consistently moist but well-drained rich soil and in a well shaded environment, particularly in regions with hot summers. This species tolerates direct sun fairly well in the cool days of spring, but growth tends to cease in hot weather, and the plant suffers if the heat is compounded by low humidity, as it sometimes the case in this southeasterly location.