Flowering Japanese beauty
It is a pity that there exists a certain predisposition towards evergreens in most planting schemes if not in popularity as there are very meritorious deciduous shrubs and trees with characteristics which the former can not match. One such shrub which comes to mind is Stachyurus. praecox. This Japanese endemic comes into flower very early in the springtime before its leaves open. Its pendant racemes of pale yellowish-green, bellshaped flowers which have dull red calyces are produced from an early, age. Their slightly waxy appearance improves their decorative appeal for which they are very popular. S. praecox grows about
three metres high. It has strong, reddish brown, grey flecked, smooth and shiny stems of new wood which not only add to its value in this respect but also show up on the plant before its large, somewhat elliptically shaped leaves clothe it.
Periodic pruning may be desirable, but this aspect is generally dependent on individual development.
Although very hardy, this plant is not recommended for exposed situations, doing best when sheltered from winds and planted in a moistureretentive soil. A backdrop of dark evergreens, such as camellias, will eccentuate the virtues of this shrub.
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Press, 21 February 1986, Page 15
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197Flowering Japanese beauty Press, 21 February 1986, Page 15
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