About

Dipelta ventricosa, the ventricose dipelta, is an upright, spreading deciduous shrub to around 2 m with pale-green, pointed leaves and scented, trumpet-shaped flowers in late spring � pink or pale purple outside, white inside with deep-orange markings � subtended by broadly heart-shaped, papery bracts that persist as the elongated, deep-purple fruits develop. An ornamental and fragrant shrub for a sheltered, sunny or partly shaded border.

About the genus

Dipelta are deciduous shrubs from China with simple, opposite leaves and clusters of fragrant, bell-shaped flowers in late spring or summer, subtended by conspicuous, papery bracts that persist around the developing fruit. Ornamental and fragrant border shrubs.

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toW China
FragranceFlower

Care notes

CultivationGrows well in well-drained alkaline soils in full sun or partial shade
PruningPruning group 2
PropagationPropagate by seed or softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free