Celastrus orbiculatus Hercules

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!