Oriental bittersweet
celastrus orbiculatus
Also known as: ["Asian bittersweet","Round-leaved bittersweet"]
Overview
A deciduous, woody vine known for its bright orange berries and invasive growth habit in many regions.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Celastales |
| Family: | Celastraceae |
| Genus: | Celastrus |
| Botanical Name: | Celastrus orbiculatus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: trellis, fence, or wall support in garden or naturalized area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–34–38°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with amendments.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight preferred, but can tolerate some afternoon shade.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun to prevent leaf scorch; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overwatering especially in winter.
Soil
well-drained, moderately fertile soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure good aeration; test pH if issues arise.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–8; tolerates a wide range, but prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C) for optimal growth.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize sparingly; apply before new growth appears; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or layering; softwood cuttings in summer yield best results.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is vigorous.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take an additional 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity with a plastic cover.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back lateral branches to encourage bushier growth; remove crossing or crowded stems.
Pruning Plan
Prune to control growth, remove dead or damaged stems, and encourage better shape or flowering.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for thicker stems), gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune at the right time, make clean cuts, dispose of pruned material.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if crowded, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare new soil, handle roots carefully, water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, yellowing, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges.
Cold Stress
Leaves may wilt or turn brown; growth slows or halts; can suffer dieback in extreme cold.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect from harsh winds; move potted plants to a sheltered location if temperatures drop below -20°F (-29°C).
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, or leaf drop due to excessive heat and dryness.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type, apply at recommended rate, water after fertilizing, avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, especially in late summer or fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that consume the berries of Celastrus orbiculatus may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms. The alkaloids present can cause discomfort but are not typically life-threatening.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of the berries by dogs can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of alkaloids. The effects are typically not severe but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Celastrus orbiculatus contain alkaloids that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and other mild symptoms upon ingestion. The physiological impact is generally limited to the digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Celastrus orbiculatus invasive?
A: Yes, it is considered highly invasive in many parts of North America.
Q: Are the berries of Oriental bittersweet toxic?
A: The berries are mildly toxic to humans, dogs, and cats if ingested.
Q: How does Celastrus orbiculatus grow?
A: It grows as a climbing vine that can reach lengths of 60 feet or more, often smothering other plants.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Celastraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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