Bittersweet – No Berries

Question

I have 2 bittersweet plants, a male and a female. The vines are huge and growing very well. They are about 6 years old and this year and last year the vines produced no berries. I’ve had berries in the past. What’s happening?

Answer 1

Sunlight. Bittersweet sets the most fruit when it gets full sun all day. Over time, these plants become shaded as they and nearby trees and shrubs grow taller and broader. So what was once a fruiting plant becomes less so with each passing year. Therefore, annual pruning may be necessary, taking off up to a third of its growth as well as that from surrounding trees or shrubs.