oriental bittersweet
Celastrus orbiculatus
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones5 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size30 to 60 feet tall5 to 10 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Climbing
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Greenish white
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) is a vine for borders and naturalized areas. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to moist soil of most types. It climbs fast and can reach 30 to 60 feet tall, so give it plenty of room. Deer and rabbits tend to browse other plants first. Birds are drawn to it.
Pairs well with Rose, Common milkweed, and Japanese forest grass.
Native range
China and Japan.