Stachyurus chinensis
Chinese stachyurus
A spreading, deciduous shrub 3-4m tall, the purplish young branches with dark green leaves broad, narrowing to a tapering point, giving good autumn colour. Hanging, catkin-like sprays up to 13cm long of 30-40 pale yellow, cup-shaped flowers in late winter and early spring on bare branches
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown Purple | Yellow | Green | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Brown Purple | Red | ||
| Winter | Brown Purple | Yellow |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Stachyuraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Stachyurus are small deciduous trees with simple, ovate leaves and stiffly pendent racemes of small bell-shaped pale yellow flowers in late winter and early spring
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in light, moist but well-drained, humus-rich, neutral to acidic soil. Suitable for shrub border or for a woodland garden but especially good against a wall. Protect from cold winds
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Wall side borders
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.