staff vine

Also known as: oriental bittersweet

A strong-growing deciduous climber with rounded leaves, colouring butter-yellow in autumn, and inconspicuous greenish flowers followed by yellow fruits which may split to show scarlet seeds. A hermaphrodite form is available, so fruit can appear from a single plant. This is a large species, growing as a twining vine, sometimes to more than 12m

Scientific classification

Species: staff vine (Celastrus orbiculatus)
Genus: Celastrus
Family: Celastraceae

Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Toxicity: Climber Wall Shrub · Shrubs
Plant type: 8-12 metres
Height: 4-8 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Climbing
Habit: Autumn · Spring · Summer
Season of interest: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

staff vine pictures

Distribution of staff vine

Distribution map

Northeastern Asia

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Quick identification of staff vine

Information to be completed

staff vine care guide

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
Watering: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings

Fertilizing

Balanced perennial feed every four weeks from spring through summer

Pruning

Routine pruning is unnecessary; shorten overlong shoots to fit the available space. For last-year flowering growth, prune after flowering; for current-year flowering growth, prune in late winter or spring. This guidance is for established plants.

Propagation

Propagate by seed in containers in an open frame as soon as ripe, or in spring as soon as ripe, or in spring. Root cuttings in winter or semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Growing

Grows best in well-drained soil in full sun, but will tolerate partial shade. To ensure fruit production, plant a male and a female together. Can be grown up large trees of at least 10m in height. Strong supports are needed for this vigorous species

More growing and care information →