Family: Celastraceae
Common Name: Staff Vine, Bittersweet

These hardy, deciduous, vine-like climbers are grown for their brilliantly coloured, red and gold fruits which are retained through winter. They need plenty of room to climb as they reach at least 6m (20 ft).

Species

C. angulatus, zone 5, from China, has 20 cm (8 in) long leaves, which turn yellow in autumn, and orange or red fruits.

C. orbiculatus, oriental bittersweet, zone 4, from Asia, grows 10-12 m (33-40 ft). Its leaves also turn yellow in autumn and the fruits are orange or red.

C. scandens, American bittersweet, zone 4, from North America, grows to 8 m (26 ft) or more.

Cultivation

Celastrus will grow in any ordinary garden soil. Propagate by shoots layered in autumn, by seed sown in spring or from root cuttings in autumn. Root semi-ripe cuttings during summer. Plant out in their dormant winter period. No pruning is necessary. Male and female plants must be grown together to obtain fruits.

Climate

There are species for various climatic zones.