Abeliophyllum distichum Roseum

The Abeliophyllum distichum Roseum, is a deciduous shrub that resembles a pink-flowered forsythia in its foliage and flowering, but is much less commonly used in our gardens despite its many qualities. Its small clusters of flowers exude a sweet scent reminiscent of almonds, a real pleasure in late winter. They bloom along the length of its brown and bare branches. It is no more difficult to cultivate than its cousin and offers superb autumn foliage as a bonus. This shrub appreciates the sun and adapts to any ordinary soil. It should be planted near the house to fully enjoy its fragrance at a time when the garden is still asleep.

The Korean Forsythia is a shrub belonging to the olive family. It is a particular form of Abeliophyllum distichum, whose flowers are pinker at blooming and retain their colouration for longer before fading to white. It is native to Eastern Asia, particularly central South Korea, where it has become very rare. The pink forsythia is a slow-growing shrub with an upright bushy habit, reaching 1.50m (5ft) to 2m (6.5ft) in all directions. It flowers at the end of winter, in February-March, on the previous year's branches and before the appearance of foliage. The small bell-shaped flowers, grouped in numerous clusters, are composed of 4 petals and emit an almond scent. Measuring 1.5cm (0.6in) in diameter, they are tender pink with a yellow-orange centre. They turn light brown at the end of flowering.

The Korean Abelia Roseum is a nectar-rich plant. Its foliage is deciduous and dark green turning reddish-purple in autumn. The leaves measure 8cm (3.1in) in length. They are arranged in two rows, hence the name distichum, from the Greek 'dis' meaning two and 'stikhos' meaning row.

Abeliophyllum distichum Roseum is very hardy and undemanding once well-established. It is best planted near the house to be admired from the inside. It blends well with a low hedge due to its modest size and natural appearance. Train it against a wall, where it will be at its best. It also fits well in the front row of a border with taller shrubs such as buddleias, lilacs, viburnums, smoke bushes, or amelanchiers. Cut a few branches in early December and place them in a vase, they will be in bloom by Christmas.