Kolkwitzia amabilis

A normal shrub; 2-3 m tall and wide, initially stiffly upright, later funnel-shaped with elegantly arching lateral twigs, medium to fast-growing.

Bell-shaped, pink to light pink with light yellow spots, plentiful, from mid-May to June; brownish fruit clusters, persistent.

Broadly oval, pointed, pale green; crimson or orange-brown in October.

Sunny to lightly shady, tolerates warmth, frost hardy; not demanding, in any garden soil.

Need to have old shoots cut off occasionally to prevent premature ageing and leaf loss on the twigs; cut in July after flowering.

Zone 5b