Culture
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerates wide range of soil conditions. Adapts well to difficult urban conditions. Good shade tolerance.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Rhodotypos scandens is an open-branched, mounding, deciduous shrub which typically grows 3-6' tall. Features ovate, serrate, medium green leaves and white, 4-petaled, 2" diameter flowers. Flowers appear in late spring to early summer and give way to glossy, jet black, bead-like berries in groups of 3-4 which mature in fall and persist throughout the winter. No appreciable fall color.
Genus name comes from the Greek words rhodon meaning a rose and typos meaning a type.
Specific epithet means climbing.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
A tough plant that adapts well to urban conditions. Not particularly showy, but easy to grow and effective in shrub borders, as a hedge, woodland gardens, foundations or difficult shade areas.