Plant of the Month: March

Sycopsis sinensis Family: Hamamelidaceae Vital statistics Height and spread: 6m (20ft) x 4m (12ft). Form: Evergreen shrub. Soil: Moisture retentive and preferably neutral or slightly acid. Aspect: Full sun or partial shade. Hardiness: Frost hardy (down to -5°C, 23°F).

Sycopsis sinensis @ Harlow Carr

When entering the garden turn right onto the main path. Keep on this path and turn left when you get to the Herb garden, which is on your right, at the bottom of the Ground Cover Rose Beds turn Right. The Sycopsis sinensis is at the bottom of the left hand bed on the corner, in what is called the 'Winter Garden'.

Sycopsis

This is a genus of two or three species of evergreen shrubs and trees from woodland in China, the Himalayas and SE Asia. The word Sycopsis comes from the Greek word "appearance".

Leaves are simple, alternate, ovate to oblong, entire or finely toothed.

The flowers, which appear in spring, have racemes of small clusters of stamens and no petals.

The only species in general cultivation is Sycopsis sinensis.  A bi-generic hybrid between Sycopsis sinensis and Parrotia persica called x Sycoparrotia semidecidua is also in cultivation.

Sycopsis sinensis

Sinensis means Chinese and this species was introduced from Central China in 1901 by Ernest Wilson.

It is a conical shrub with dark green, oblong, leathery leaves, which are pale green beneath and up to 10cm (4in) long.

In spring, dense clusters of flowers, up to 2.5cm (1in) across, develop from chocolate-brown, woolly buds. The flowers have no petals and consist of yellow stamens and red anthers. It is cultivated for its flowers and leaves and can be used in a shrub or woodland garden.

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well drained, moderately fertile, humus-rich, neutral to acid soil in full sun or partial shade. Shelter from strong, cold drying winds.

Prune only to maintain a healthy framework.

Generally free from pests and diseases.

Propagation

Sow seed as soon as ripe, in lime-free compost in containers in a cold frame.

Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer