The Greenbrier is an evergreen vine with glossy, dark green leaves and clusters of small, black, grape-like fruits. It is native to the southeastern United States and the West Indies. It grows in sandy flatwoods and coastal sand dunes. It has a fast growth rate and is drought resistant. The flowers attract bees and butterflies and the fruits attract a variety of birds. A variety of animals eat the foliage and the stems. The young shoots are edible and can be used raw or cooked as a vegetable. The greenbrier is a good plant to grow if you want a low-maintenance, evergreen vine. Hardy in zones 5-11.
Growing Instructions
The seeds have a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the fall or winter for spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions and to break their dormancy at any time of the year.
Soak the seeds in water for several hours.
Cold stratify the seeds for 12 weeks.
Put a mixture of potting soil and sand or perlite into a pot with drainage holes in the base. The soil should be moist and well-drained.
Sow the seeds on the soil.
Cover the seeds with a layer of soil that is ½ inch thick.
Water the seeds. Keep the soil moist but not wet.
When the plants are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.