Celastrus orbiculatus - Autumn leaves

Celastrus orbiculatus - Chinese Bittersweet

A very vigorous, twining vine reaching a height of 12 m. It is quite hardy and tolerates well cold weather. It bears striking yellow-red fruits (only on female plants) that remain decorative for several months (October-December), and are excellent for interior decoration. It has also attractive leaves that turn clear yellow in autumn.

Chinese Bittersweet doesn't have any special requirements. It grows well in full sun or in partial shade, in all moderately moist soils. It is perfectly suited for covering tall fences, unsightly buildings and walls, but it also looks interesting climbing into old tree trunks or large trees. Due to its rampant growth it shouldn't grown next to bushes, small trees or conifers as it may choke them up. If grown in a proper place and kept in check by pruning, it doesn't pose any threat to other plants.

• 'Diana' - a female, profusely fruiting cultivar,
• 'Hercules' - a male form, a good pollinator, ensures a profuse fruiting of female plants.

see also: • Actinidia • Campsis • Humulus lupulus • Lonicera • Parthenocissus • Schisandra chinensis • Wisteria • forum on garden vines care and culture • advanced search • applications of climbers • articles about vines (including Clematis) • encyclopaedia