Kolkwitzia amabilis

RHS Plant Profile
beauty bush
Shrubs

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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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