Celastrus loeseneri (Bittersweet, Bittersweet Vine)


Botanical Information

FamilyCelastraceae
GenusCelastrus
Speciesloeseneri
CategoryWoody
TypeVine
OriginCentral China.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone6
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone5 - 6a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7 - H6
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-23 - (-18)
Temperature (°F)-10 - 0
Height6 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodMay, June

Description and Growing Information

ShapeA twining vine.
PropagationCan be propagated from spring-sown seeds, although the sex of the plant will not be known until it reaches maturity at flowering. Otherwise, root cuttings taken from female plants and placed in a cold from is a more reliable method.
CultivationGrow in full sun or partial shade.
Notable SpecimensRoyal Botanical Gardens, Burlington, Ontario, Canada.
Bark/Stem DescriptionTwigs are initially smooth and red-brown.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves to 5-11 cm, deep green above and paler green beneath.
Flower DescriptionFlowers are few, sometimes showing on short, leafless, lateral branches, and are small and white tinged with green.
Fruit DescriptionFruit is yellow and up to 8 mm in diameter with a red aril.

Photographs