Highly decorative, upright shrub from China & Korea, with attractive, peeling bark and an abundance of showy panicles of pretty, crinkled, deep rose pink flowers in summer. As a bonus, the small, dark green leaves turn lovely shades of yellow and orange in autumn. Prefers a sunny, sheltered spot away from cold winds - against a south or west facing wall is ideal. Excellent for Bonsai - makes a very pretty miniature shrub.
Hardy Shrub (to -5C)
Height: 4-8m
Flowers: Summer
Position: Sunny & sheltered in well drained soil
GROWING GUIDE
Sowing Instructions: Sow at any time of the year. Mix equal parts of good quality, moist seed compost with vermiculite or perlite. Sow seeds on the surface, then just cover with a layer of compost, vermiculite or perlite. Seal inside a polythene bag and place in the fridge for 4 weeks. After this, move to a propagator or other warm place and maintain an optimum temperature of about 21C. Germination should take place within 15-60 days. Throughout the process, keep the compost just moist.
Growing Instructions: Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm pots and grow on in cooler conditions, about 15C, repotting as necessary. When large enough, harden plants off then plant out in late spring in sunny, sheltered position. Protect from severe frost with fleece for the first few winters.
Fresh seeds are packed in ziplock bags!