How to Buy a Bittersweet Plant
Three different species of plants are called bittersweet: American bittersweet, Oriental bittersweet and woody nightshade. Both American and Oriental bittersweet plants are part of the Celastraceae family, while the woody nightshade is part of the Solanum family. Choose the right one for your yard when you are buying a bittersweet plant. All three have varying characteristics and growing requirements. Inspect the plant before purchasing to ensure you are getting a healthy vine for your yard. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Find out your region's hardiness zone by checking the USDA Hardiness Zone Map. The Oriental bittersweet is not very cold tolerant and can only survive up to zone 5. The American bittersweet is more hardy and can grow up to zone 2. The woody nightshade grows from zones 4 to 8.
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Choose the right bittersweet plant for your yard. The Oriental bittersweet plant flowers beautiful white clusters of flowers but is considered an invasive plant that can take over yards. The American bittersweet can grow into semi-shrubs with glossy green foliage; however, it can kill other plants when grown in abundance. The woody nightshade produces violet flowers and can be considered a weed when allowed to grow over plants.
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Visit your local nursery to buy a bittersweet plant. Check the plant for any fungal diseases. Powdery mildew is the bittersweet's most common fungal disease. It causes the leaves to develop white powdery spores across its surface. Avoid buying a plant with a fungal disease because it can infect your other plants.
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Check the plant for any pests. Bittersweet plants attract euonymus scales, aphids and two-marked treehoppers. Inspect the leaves and the soil to ensure there are no lurking bugs.
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Lift the plant to look at its roots. Bittersweet plants are prone to root rot if they have been over-watered. Squeeze the roots to see if they feel mushy. Make sure that they aren't discolored. Look over the entire plant to make sure it is healthy before purchasing.
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Tips & Warnings
Plant the bittersweet plant immediately after purchasing to ensure the root system doesn't dry out.
Avoid planting bittersweet plants in your yard if you have children or pets because they are severely poisonous plants.
