Celastrus rosthornianus

A vigorous, undemanding vine with attractive leaves and decorative fruit. Flowers are unassuming, greenish in colour, borne in May. The fruit reach the full colour at the end of September or in October and remains attractive for a long time – beautifully contrasting seeds in red arils are surrounded by slightly parted yellow-orange covering. It does not require a separate pollinator. Leaves vary from lanceolate to lanceolate-ovate, glossy, green turning yellow in autumn. It is less rampant than Celastrus orbiculatus, reaching the height of 7 m (1-1,5 m a year. Modest soil requirements. Twines around supports. Native to eastern China, introduced in Europe in 1910. Thrives on sunny positions but also tolerates semi-shade. It is frost hardy, undemanding as to the soil and watering conditions. Vermin and disease resistant. Useful as a cover for fences, noise barriers, rubbish bins and other unsightly constructions. It looks particularly attractive climbing over tree trunks and other supports in large garden or parks.