Climbers there are many. But many. Very few are really known and the range of possibilities to cover a pergola, fence or wall is vast in colors, shapes, types of flower and climatic adaptations that vary from the hottest and driest to the most mountainous climates. Today we are talking about a perhaps little known but attractive. The scepter or Celastrus orbiculatus, by its scientific name.
If your climate is cold, mountain and the possibilities of cultivation are reduced, here is an example of a vigorous climber resistant to the most severe winter inclemencies. This deciduous shrub from the cold areas of East Asia has a double face depending on the season we are talking about.
During the spring and summer, it does not stand out especially for anything in particular. It can seem like just another climber, and it can even give the feeling of messy, and with flowers that have no special attraction. It will simply add green, shady foliage with no other apparent appeal.
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WAIT FOR THE FALL AND WINTER …
Reading this last paragraph one wonders: why even bother trying to grow it? Well, while it is true that summer and spring are not seasons in which it has great ornamental potential, autumn and part of winter is truly spectacular.
Starting with its deciduous character that leaves this shrub with a typical golden yellow. Second, its fruiting is the culmination of Celastrus orbiculatus . The small, golden berry-shaped fruits unfold and reveal very attractive fiery-red seeds . Words are unnecessary with the following images.
IT IS VERY SUITABLE AND BEST KNOWN FOR BONSAI
Being from the easternmost part of Asia, the art of bonsai has left it in a good place. By having a very capricious branching typical of climbing plants, it has gained many followers in this discipline who twist and tangle it into impossible shapes. In addition to the added value of its autumnal fruiting.
CLIMATE AND SUN EXPOSURE
As well it has been commented at the beginning of the entry it is resistant and a lot. It supports a freezing -20 ºC in the winter with the fruits in place without moving. Although it supports harsh winters, it does require good sun exposure, so we have to provide good orientation.
The autumnal fruiting is heavily influenced by the daylight hours so received that, being the most characteristic of the plant is suitable to receive good sunbathing. However, it also develops with some semi-shadow.
It is convenient to protect it and be a little attentive in the first and even second year of life. Harsh winters can be tolerated well once it has developed strongly.
SOIL AND FERTILIZER
In the soil section you need a soil rich in organic matter and with good moisture retention without getting waterlogged. Fulfilling these two requirements will not cause problems. Subscribing is totally unnecessary (if the above is true) since it is a very vigorous plant.
GENERAL CARE
Apart from the cultivation conditions mentioned, it is worth mentioning that pruning is necessary . It grows quite fast and if we do not want to find half a garden populated with Celastrus orbiculatus, a good pruning is necessary. It supports them well and recovers easily. The best time to do this is in spring once the plant is adult (2-3 years).
The reproduction of the scepter is carried out by layering and root cuttings. Reproduction by seeds is unfeasible since they are sterile. The variety to choose must be the hermaphrodite, which is the one that produces the characteristic fruits. If it is in a nursery, it will be