You’ve officially strayed into the realm of horticultural obscurity when you’re excited about the performance of the woodland-growing genus Helwingia in your garden. Helwingia‘s namesake is the little-known Prussian botanist and pastor Georg Andreas Helwing (1666-1734). This odd genus also appears like something transported to Earth through a paranormal portal, since it’s one of a handful of plants that flowers and fruits on the leaf tops. This odd genus is composed of only 4 species, (Helwingia chinensis, Helwingia japonica, Helwingia omeiensis, and Helwingia himalaica, all native to Southeast Asia.) Helwingia are so odd, they easily got their own family, Helwingiaceae, of which they are the only members.
We’ve tried all of the species except for Helwingia himalaica, and most have not been enamoured with our summer heat and cold winters. All species are small deciduous shrubs that mature in the 3-5′ range, with the exception of the similar-sized, but evergreen Helwingia chinensis. By far, our best performer has been Helwingia chinensis, especially clones from Duke Gardens Asiatic Garden curator and plant explorer, Paul Jones. Below is the female Duke Gardens clone, looking great at JLBG in mid January. Being monocious, you will need both a male and female plant to be able to enjoy the fruit. Hardiness Zone 7b-9a.
