Botanically speaking, the tree shrike (bot. Celastrus) is not a single plant, but rather a genus of the spindle family. The approximately 30 different species are native to Asia, America and Australia.
The tree shrike is extremely hardy
Depending on the large distribution area, the differences are sometimes considerable, some species are evergreen, others shed their leaves in autumn. The climatic conditions are not the same either. You can find tree shrike in temperate climates, but also in the tropics. The location varies from dry thickets to humid forests. However, tree shrike are considered to be very hardy.
How do I take care of my tree shrike in winter?
Unlike many other hardy plants, the tree shrike does not need any winter protection, because it can tolerate temperatures down to - 28 °C. If its leaves have fallen off, it hardly needs water and no fertilizer at all.
A pruning in the fall is not necessary. Let the climbing shrub grow until it is the size you want it to be. Then you can prune it almost anytime you want.
Is there any way I can use the glowing berries?
The decorative berries of the tree shrike are slightly poisonous, like all other parts of the plant. So they shouldn't be on your menu. However, birds use the berries as winter food. If you want to use branches with the bright orange to red fruits for a colorful autumn bouquet, make sure that small children do not have access to the bouquet.
However, in order for you to be able to discover berries on your tree shrike at all, you absolutely need at least one male and one female plant. Depending on the species, the fruits then ripen from July or August and decorate the otherwise bare climbing shrub well into the winter.
The essentials in brief:
- hardy
- tolerates, depending on the species, frost down to approx. - 28 °C
- the round-leaved tree shrike sheds its leaves in autumn
- Berries remain on the plant throughout the winter
- Branches with berries well suited for autumn bouquets
tips
The bright berries are not only a pretty eye-catcher in the garden. They also decorate your living room in a colorful autumn bouquet.