Celastrus scandens
Bittersweet vine, Staff tree, Waxwork, American bittersweet
- Height × spread
- 7m × 4m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Flowers
- Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A vigorous vine that can reach up to 7 metres in height. It is primarily grown for its foliage interest. The large leaves are held alternately on thin stems that lift them away from the slender stems. It will happily occupy a great deal of space. It can be trained against a wall or fence, or can be used as large-scale ground cover. The flowers are of little account but the fruits (seldom produced in the UK) are interesting, as they are held in pods that open to display a scarlet pulp that covers the seeds. Male and female forms are required to produce fruit. The plant has medicinal values, valued by the Quakers in the USA to treat skin problems as well as scrophula.
- Foliage colour
- Blue
- Autumn foliage
- Yellow
- Fruit colour
- Orange
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 7m
- Spread
- 4m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Seaside garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover, Ground cover
- Walls
- South, West facing
- Hazards
- Yes, potentially harmful; Humans: Harmful if eaten
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Summer
Summer - early · Outdoors
Feed a general fertiliser
Where plants have moderate needs for nutrients, they can simply be given a general feed, fairly early in the growth season so that the growth has plenty of time to harden off before the cold weather.
Give plants a general boost with the application of a general purpose fertiliser which is spread around the root area of the plant, with amounts as directed on the feed label.
Summer-Autumn · Planting
Support tall stems
The plant may require support for long stems. Provide an artificial frame which it can grow through, or loosely tie the whole plant. A network of twigs can be woven together to provide a framework through which the plant can grow.
Tall stems can lean or be battered by weather. Support the plant to keep its vertical lines, aiming for a natural appearance which is easy on the eye.
Winter
Winter - late · Planting
Prune to maintain the plant
Remove and dead or damaged branches or any growth that looks very untidy. Trim the plant back if necessary to keep it within bounds.