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Kolkwitzia amabilis

beauty bush

A deciduous, arching, suckering, dense shrub, to 3m tall, with flaking bark and oval leaves up to 7cm long. A profusion of bell-shaped, soft pink to white, flowers with yellow throats is borne from late spring to early summer. The flower calyces and stalks are conspicuously hairy

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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink White Yellow Green
Summer Pink White Yellow Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Kolkwitzia are deciduous shrubs with simple, opposite leaves and clusters of bell-shaped pink flowers, marked with deep yellow in the throat

Name status

Correct

Plant range
China

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows best in any well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings or from suckers

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Pruning group 2

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility

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