Gojiberry

Gou Gi Zi. Matrimony Vine. Wolfberry. Lycium barbarum has been used for more than 2000 years in the traditional Chinese Medicine with early records traced back to the Tang Dynasty. A medicinal food in China where the young leaves and shoots are cooked and the berries are snacked on fresh or added to soups or made into a medicinal wine. The leaves, roots, and fruits are all highly valued in Chinese medicine. Gojiberry strengthens the skeletal system, improves liver function and strengthens eyesight. It has also been shown to increase white blood cell count and aids in tissue regeneration.

Beautiful perennial, drought tolerant shrub. Can reach 12 feet with purple blooms beginning in early summer, followed by scarlet berries in late Summer and Fall.  They can be grown well in a container that holds at least 5 gallons of soil, which will prevent the bush from spreading. Give the plant an inch or two of water per week during the hot months but do not apply fertilizer since they do not like much nitrogen. They prefer an alkaline soil, so some oyster shells could be added if your soil pH is below 7. Gojiberry bushes can be trellised to tame their naturally brushy appearance.

After the second year, choose a main shoot and prune all others below it about 15” from the ground. When the plant reaches 2 feet tall in the summer, pinch out the growing tips to cause side branching where the fruit will be born. After your main structure is established, just prune back to the height you want to keep it. Always remove branches within 15” of the ground. Prune any unproductive branches. Thin out branches after the berry season

Perennial. Hardy to zones 3-10.