BEAUTY BUSH: GRACEFUL FREE BLOOMING SHRUB FROM CHINA
GRACEFUL FREE BLOOMING SHRUB
BEAUTY BUSH
Beauty Bush had its origins in China; however, like many plants from the orient, it can be easily grown in most parts of the United States. Beauty Bush is a fast growing vigorous shrub producing clusters of bell-shaped lightly perfumed pink flowers on its arching stems in late spring. Its growth is dense with the outer branches dropping towards the ground. The plant, hardy as far north as the Great Lakes, makes a handsome specimen from 8 to 10 feet tall.
Beauty Bush is a worthy addition to any garden, with its combination of free growing blooms and its fine-textured foliage. It will grow in almost any soil, though it does best in a fairly rich one, thus a neglected corner of your yard may be just the spot for it. The only requirement is that it get plenty of sun.
VARIETIES
Only one kind of Beauty Bush is grown, and goes by the scientific name of Kolkwitzia amabilis.
HOW AND WHEN TO PLANT
Beauty Bush should be planted in the spring or fall. A hole should be dug large enough to hold the roots comfortably, and leaf mold mixed in the bottom of it. First set the plant in position, then pack soil around the roots, and water it well. Finish filling the hole with soil.
CARE AND PROTECTION
Beauty Bush grows so vigorously that it often gets unkempt and straggly. When this happens it may take up too much space, and needs some of the older stems cut down to the ground to encourage new shoots to grow. This type of pruning is best done just after the flowers fade in late spring.
