Also known as Bittersweet · 57 saves
Celastrus
Celastrus, the genus most gardeners know as bittersweet. We track 4 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 2 most-saved Celastrus varieties
Browse all 4 Celastrus varieties →
2 species of Celastrus
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Celastrus in Sow
Save the Celastrus you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Celastrus
Whats common across all Celastrus varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them.
The Celastrus year
- PruneJanuary and February75% of varieties
Cut back heavily in late winter to control aggressive spread and size
- HarvestSeptember and October50% of varieties
Harvest berried stems after foliage drops for dried arrangements
Do
- Plant native Celastrus scandens instead 🌱
- Cut vines off trees at the base ✂️
- Bag berried material for disposal 🗑️
- Check for bird-sown seedlings 🔍
- Water during dry spells 🌱
Avoid
- Plant it anywhere ❌
- Use the berried stems in wreaths ❌
- Leave cut stumps untreated ❌
- Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Celastrus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap organic remedy |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; NCSU rates it resistant to deer and rabbits, which is part of why it spreads unchecked |
| Scale | Bumps on stems with sooty mould below | Apply horticultural oil during dormancy |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Use neem oil or sulfur-based fungicide |
| Generally disease-free | No significant disease issues are typical | Monitor only; nothing here limits its spread |
| Powdery Mildew | White film on foliage in humid weather | Thin growth for air movement; damage is cosmetic |
Making more Celastrus
Seeds
- Sow seeds in early spring in moist soil.
- Stratify at 40°F for 4 weeks.
- Keep soil consistently moist until germination.
Not recommended
- This species should not be propagated.
- It spreads readily by bird-dispersed seed and by root.
- Propagate native Celastrus scandens instead.
Celastrus questions
How many types of Celastrus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Celastrus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 57 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Celastrus grow in?
Across its varieties, Celastrus covers USDA Zones 4–8. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Celastrus bloom?
Most Celastrus varieties bloom in late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Celastrus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.