About
A rounded, evergreen shrub eventually reaching up to 6m tall. Pale pink, aromatic flowers to 2cm across are produced in late spring and early summer. Mature leaves are glossy, dark green and up to 20cm long with new growth emerging in spring a coppery-red colour with rusty hairs.
About the genus
A genus of hybrid, deciduous flowering trees with long, tapered dark green foliage and large, frilly pink or white flowers with striped throats, appearing in the summer and autumn
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationOutdoors, grow in moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun, with the shelter of a warm wall. Protect from cold, drying winds. Under glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light. In the growing season, water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free