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Celastrus orbiculatus Hercules

Celastrus orbiculatus Hercules
Oriental Bittersweet, Staff Vine

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A deciduous climbing shrub that is particularly vigorous, interesting for its beautiful light green foliage that turns a beautiful yellow colour in autumn.  Hercules is a male variety that pollinates female varieties such as Diana, for example. Very hardy and easy to grow in slightly moist soil, it enhances large fences, pergolas, and facades.
Flower size
1 cm
Height at maturity
12 m
Spread at maturity
3 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -20°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time March to June, September to November
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Flowering time May to July
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Description

Celastrus orbiculatus Hercules is a hardy climbing bush, a luxuriant plant whose autumn foliage, a beautiful light yellow, is an adornment for the garden. It is a very beautiful male variety that pollinates female varieties such as Diana, for example. 

The Celastrus orbiculatus Hercules belongs to the family of spindles. Celastrus orbiculatus Hercules, called bittersweet, is native to China, eastern Siberia, Japan, and Korea. It is a very vigorous woody plant with rapid growth that can climb up to 12m (39ft) in height. In nature, it twines around trees, often inhibiting their development. The Oriental Bittersweet is usually dioecious, with male and female individuals. Only the female individuals bear fruit, in the presence of a male plant. The plant develops strong vines that can measure up to 10cm (4in) in diameter, initially reddish-brown in colour. With time, a greyish bark forms. The foliage consists of simple, alternate, ovate-shaped leaves with dentate margins, measuring 8 to 10cm (3 to 4in) long. In the Hercules variety, they are a fairly light green, but turn yellow before falling in autumn. Flowering occurs from May-June to July depending on the climate. It takes the form of small clusters arising from the axils of the leaves or from the terminal part of the branches. These are discreet small green to yellow-green flowers. The roots of the bittersweet are shallow but extensive.

Celastrus orbiculatus Hercules is perfect for decorating a pergola, a large fence, a pylon, a trellis, or a large building. If you want to associate it with a tree, choose an older and larger specimen that can withstand its competition. Very resistant to cold, this shrub is undemanding in terms of soil, but it needs some moisture to thrive. Its foliage adds a beautiful touch to any decor and a delightful charm to the late season. In a large exotic garden, it can accompany the magnificent vegetation of Aristolochia siphon. In moist soil, it can climb  Nyssa sylvatica , for example, the combination of their autumn colours will be magnificent. Its association with a vigorous Virginia creeper such as Parthenocissus quinquefolia is also sumptuous!

 

Celastrus orbiculatus Hercules in pictures

Celastrus orbiculatus Hercules (Foliage) Foliage
Celastrus orbiculatus Hercules (Plant habit) Plant habit

Plant habit

Height at maturity 12 m
Spread at maturity 3 m
Growth rate fast

Flowering

Flower colour green
Flowering time May to July
Inflorescence Cyme
Flower size 1 cm

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour green

Botanical data

Genus

Celastrus

Species

orbiculatus

Cultivar

Hercules

Family

Celastraceae

Other common names

Oriental Bittersweet, Staff Vine

Origin

China

Product reference178901

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Planting and care

Celatrus orbiculatus Hercules adapts well to both sunny spots and light shade. It tolerates limestone as long as the soil is enriched with a bit of humus or compost at planting. This plant requires soil that remains slightly moist even in summer, it does not tolerate drought. Mulch if necessary to maintain some moisture. Pruning Celastrus is only useful to contain it. To avoid hindering flowering and fruiting, prune it at the end of winter. 

Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time March to June, September to November
Type of support Arbour, Tree, Wall

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge
Type of use Climbing
Hardiness Hardy down to -20°C (USDA zone 6b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Any
Soil moisture Moist soil, Ordinary, well-prepared, humus-rich

Care

Pruning instructions Prune in winter if necessary to control its growth.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time February to March
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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