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beautybush
Scientific Name: Kolkwitzia amabilis
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Beauty Bush (Kolkwitzia amabilis)
The Beauty Bush, scientifically known as Kolkwitzia amabilis, is a deciduous shrub celebrated for its profusion of pink, bell-shaped flowers. Its common name, "Beauty Bush," aptly describes its stunning floral display in late spring.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- The plant is a deciduous shrub with twiggy branches.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Kolkwitzia amabilis
- Common Name: Beauty Bush
- Family: Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle family)
- Clade: Linnaea
- Synonym: Linnaea amabilis (formerly)
- The species name, amabilis, means "lovely."
- The genus Kolkwitzia is monotypic, meaning Kolkwitzia amabilis is the only species within the genus.
- Named for Richard Kolkwitz, a professor of botany in Berlin around 1900.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to central China, specifically found in rocky, mountainous areas.
- Hardy to Zone 4, indicating its ability to withstand cold climates.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Deciduous shrub with simple, opposite leaves.
- Features clusters of bell-shaped flowers marked with deep yellow in the throat.
- Vigorous, medium-sized shrub with arching branches.
- Typically grows to a height of 6-10 feet, but can reach up to 15 feet in some cases.
- Mature spread is generally 6-8 feet.
- Upright, arching habit with a multi-stemmed, fountain shape.
- Foliage turns a yellow-green in the fall.
- Some cultivars, like 'Dream Catcher', have golden leaves that turn orange-red in the fall.
- Considered a suckering shrub.
Ecological Role
- Attracts hummingbirds.
- Reportedly deer resistant.
Cultivation and Care
- Blooms in April and May.
- Pruning should be carried out right after flowering to encourage best shape and flowering.
- Easy to grow and thrives in all types of soil.
- Drought-tolerant.
Quirky Facts
- The text mentions a Japanese landscape design concept called "shakkei" (borrowed scenery), which could be applied when considering the placement of a Beauty Bush in a garden to take advantage of distant views.
Further Information
- Arborday.org offers information on Beautybush size, height, growth rate, sun, and soil preference.
- Dave's Garden is a friendly community that shares tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
- Monrovia offers details and information on their Beautybush plants.
- Proven Winners provides information and resources for the 'Dream Catcher' Beauty Bush.