Kolkwitzia amabilis - Beauty Bush

Kolkwitzia amabilis lives up to its common name, beauty bush.

Its long arched branches are covered in an abundance of flowers for nearly three weeks between May and June. The colour of the flowers varies from candy pink when they are in bud to pale pink when in full bloom.  Its spreading habit, with arching branches, makes it a shrub which is elegant on its own, in a group or as an informal hedge.

In addition to its ornamental qualities, the Kolkwitzia amabilis is very hardy, it tolerates soil types and withstands drought. Its only requirement is to be sheltered from prevailing winds that damage its flowers. Given all these qualities, it is surprising to note that it is rarely seen in our gardens.