Stachyurus praecox

early stachyurus

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: light, moist but well-drained, acidic soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: February to April
• Flower colour: pale yellowish-green
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  This is a rare and unusual plant, which is seldom seen here in the UK. In late winter and early spring, pendant racemes of small, cup-shaped flowers seem to drip from the bare, arching branches, creating a beautiful show. A native of thickets and woodland throughout the Himalayas and Eastern Asia, it is ideal for adding interest to a shrub border during the coldest part of the year. Alternatively the branches can be tied onto wires or trellis and trained to form a wall shrub.
  
  
• Garden care: Once established, the stems that have flowered should be cut back to their base. Apply a generous layer of mulch in spring and protect it from cold, dry winds.