Celastrus orbiculatus Hermaphrodite Group

RHS Plant Profile

oriental bittersweet Hermaphrodite Group

Dorling Kindersley 2003

Other common names

staff vine Hermaphrodite Group

Climber Wall Shrub

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Hermaphrodite Group are vigorous deciduous twining large climbers. Leaves to 12cm in length, rounded, turning yellow in autumn. Flowers inconspicuous; fruits globose, 1cm, splitting to show yellow lining and scarlet seeds

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

8-12 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 10–20 years
Max Spread: 4-8 metres
Max Height: 8-12 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure: Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H6

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Celastraceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Climbing
Potentially harmful: Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus: Celastrus are fast-growing deciduous, rarely evergreen, climbers with scandent or twining stems bearing alternate leaves and inconspicuous greenish flowers followed by attractive fruits. Male and female flowers are often borne on separate plants
Name Status: Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Full sun and a well-drained soil will give the best autumn colour

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings or root cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 11 in winter or early spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free