Regel's Threewingnut Plant Care

Regel's Threewingnut (Tripterygium regelii) belongs to the Celastraceae family within the Tripterygium genus. Regel's Threewingnut is native to Korea, Japan and Manchuria.

Regel's Threewingnut displays a vining, sprawling shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Regel's Threewingnut produces small clusters of inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Regel's Threewingnut every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Regel's Threewingnut thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Regel's Threewingnut in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Tripterygium regelii tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Regel's Threewingnut prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Regel's Threewingnut to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Regel's Threewingnut every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Regel's Threewingnut is suited to USDA Zone 4a – 7b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Regel's Threewingnut can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Regel's Threewingnut while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Regel's Threewingnut is hardy down to USDA zone 4a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Regel's Threewingnut can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tripterygium hypoglaucum plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Regel's Threewingnut is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Regel's Threewingnut grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 7b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Regel's Threewingnut is native to Korea, Japan and Manchuria.