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Stachyurus chinensis 'Joy Forever' (v)
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Chinese stachyurus 'Joy Forever'

'Joy Forever' is an early spring-flowering shrub that, like the species, bears stiff hanging racemes of pale lemon cup-shaped flowers around 2 weeks after S. praecox. Its difference lies in the dark green leaves that are edged, and sometimes spotted, with yellow before taking on a bronze tinge in autumn

Synonyms
Stachyurus praecox 'Joy Forever'
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green Variegated Yellow
Summer Green Variegated Yellow
Autumn Bronze Green Variegated Yellow
Winter Yellow
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical 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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in light moist but well-drained, humus-rich, neutral to acidic soils. Suitable for shrub border or for growing in woodland garden or against a wall. Protect from drying winds

Propagation

Propagate by softwood or heeled semi-ripe cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wall side borders
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 1

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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