Beautybush

Common Name: Beautybush
Scientific Name Genus: Kolkwitzia
Family Name: Caprifoliaceae

Cultural Comments

Best grown in an average, well-drained soil in full sun. Regenerative pruning helps to maintain good form and prevents plants from becoming overgrown. Selected branches can be removed yearly or a hard prune can be performed after a number of years. Pruning is best done in late winter or immediately after flowering. Plants bloom on the previous season's wood so late winter pruning will prevent blooms.

Native Habitat

Native to central China. Zones 4-8.

Growth Habit

Large growing shrub, 6-10' tall and wide.
Upright arching habit, multistemmed providing a vase or fountain-like effect.
Can become leggy with age and benefits from pruning to help improve form.
Kolkwitzia amabilis

Leaves

Dark green, ovate with an acuminate tip, opposite. Pubescent with a few teeth along the margin.
Fall color is yellow, but not all that attractive.
Kolkwitzia amabilis leaves

Bark and Stems

Light brown bark that peals on older stems. Somewhat interesting in winter.
Kolkwitzia amabilis bark and stems

Flowers

Bell-shaped pink flowers with yellow throats. Small (1/2" long and wide) but in clusters along the stems.
Main ornamental feature. Showy when in bloom. May.
Kolkwitzia amabilis flowers

Fruit

Small bristly, seed capsules that split open to release seeds. Persist into winter.

Bloom Time

May

Common Problems

No serious insect of disease problems.
Downside is one main season of interest.

Varieties or Cultivars

'Maradco', Dream Catcher: leaves emerge in copper tones and turn yellow by bloom time in May. Lime green in summer and orange-gold in fall
'Pink Cloud' - larger, more prolific pink blooms

Landscape Uses

Shrub border or hedge. Can be used as a specimen or effective in mass.