American Bittersweet vs Blue Boy Clematis - TreeTime.ca

American Bittersweet vs Blue Boy Clematis

Clematis integrifolia Blue Boy

Celastrus scandens

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Blue Boy Clematis
American Bittersweet

Blue Boy Clematis is a cold-hardy, fast growing, woody climbing vine. Hundreds of stunning steel-blue bell shaped flowers adorn the vine throughout the summer that droop and appear to hang in the air. The fibrous stems spread and create a fan-like symmetry shape.

This species will do best with support from a trellis, fence, or even other shrubs or tree stumps.

The Blue Boy Clematis was developed in Manitoba, Canada in 1947 by famous breeder Frank L. Skinner by crossing C. integrifolia x C. viticella, but it didn’t gain popularity until the 1990’s.

American Bittersweet is a deciduous, woody, perennial vine with striking orange to yellow berries that persist into winter. Indigenous to North America, this vine has become so rare it is now considered a protected species.

Excellent for naturalization projects, American Bittersweet attracts birds and other wildlife. Please keep in mind that the plant is toxic to humans and should not be ingested. To ensure the attractive berries are produced, cross-pollination between a male and female plant must occur.

Blue Boy Clematis Quick Facts

American Bittersweet Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 3a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium


Toxicity: All parts of plant are toxic to humans
Flowers: steel blue
Flowers: small white clusters
Berries: red-orange, toxic to mammals
Hybrid: yes
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: SK, MB, ON, QC, NB