Queen coralbead is a slender woody climbing vine native to the forests and hillsides of the Himalayas, China, Japan, the Philippines, and Hawaii. Growing 7 to 12 feet tall in zones 6 to 10, this member of the moonseed family captivates with variable foliage ranging from narrow lance-shaped leaves to broad, sometimes three-lobed forms, all topped with showy fruit that adds visual interest late into the season. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and demands minimal maintenance once established, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking an ornamental vine that handles both drought and neglect with equal grace.
Partial Sun
Moderate
6-10
144in H x 48in W
—
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
Queen coralbead earned its common name from the striking, showy fruit that develops in late summer and persists on the vine long after the leaves fade. The foliage itself is remarkably variable, shifting between narrow and broad leaf shapes on the same plant, creating an intriguing textural quality. Hardy from zone 6 through 10 and tolerant of drought once settled, it grows vigorously yet remains easy to manage with minimal pruning or fussing.
Queen coralbead serves as an ornamental climbing vine and ground cover, valued primarily for its showy fruit display and decorative foliage. The variable leaf shapes and persistent berries make it an attractive addition to trellises, arbors, and sloping banks where its spreading habit can be appreciated.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Queen coralbead responds well to pruning to control its spread and maintain a tidy appearance, though it is not demanding in this regard. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges, removing any dead or damaged stems and cutting back vigorous growth as needed to fit your space.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“Cocculus orbiculatus arrived in cultivation from its native range spanning the Himalayas eastward through China and Japan to the Philippines and Hawaii, where it inhabits open forests, forest margins, and streambanks. The plant entered horticultural knowledge through botanical exploration and plant collection, becoming recognized as a hardy ornamental vine suited to temperate zone gardens where frost-tender tropical vines cannot survive.”