Family: Stachyuraceae

Native to east Asia and the Himalayas, these ten species of hardy, deciduous shrubs and small trees produce sprays of flowers which develop before the leaves, usually in winter or early spring. The stems may be red or reddish brown.

Species

S. chinensis is a bushy shrub, to 2 m (6 ft), with red stems and pale greenish yellow, bell-shaped flowers, borne in drooping sprays up to 10 cm (4 in) long.

S. praecox, from Japan, is the most commonly grown species. A loosely branched shrub to 4 m (13 ft), it has reddish brown stems and pendulous sprays of pale yellow flowers. Like S. chinensis, the leaves develop a red tint in autumn.

Cultivation

Plant in acid, moist soil with good drainage and containing plenty of humus. Choose a sheltered position in full sun or partial shade. Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings in summer, rooted with bottom heat, or from seed in a garden frame in autumn.

Climate

Zone 7. Best in cool, moist climates, but can be grown in warm temperate zones.