PL. —Tripterygium regeliiBotanical illustration — drop image
4a–7bHardiness zone
Peak bloom windowZone 6b · frost-offset weeks
Winter
Not in bloom
Spring
Peak bloom
Summer
Not in bloom
Fall
Not in bloom
Peak bloom
In bloom
Background
Native to Korea, Japan, and Manchuria, Regel's threewingnut is a vigorous, rambling deciduous vine grown for airy panicles of small, fragrant white-to-yellowish flowers in late spring that smell faintly of new-mown hay, followed by distinctive greenish-white, three-winged seed pods. It needs a sturdy support to climb and plenty of room — this is not a vine for a small trellis.
It's uncommon in US cultivation but adaptable, tolerating soil from sandy to clay across a wide pH range. Give it a large arbor, fence, or wall with room to ramble, and prune hard in late winter to keep the size and shape in check.
Care guide
SunFull sun to part sun
WaterModerate
SoilAverage, tolerates sand to clay
Spacing10–15 ft
Height15–30 ft
Zone4a – 7b
spring
watchEnjoy fragrant white-to-yellowish flower panicles smelling faintly of new-mown hay.
cutPrune hard to control size and shape before new growth starts.
summer
watchWatch three-winged greenish-white seed pods form after bloom.