Beauty Bush (Kolkwitzia Amabilis) 20 seeds (#258)

Truly living up to its name in late spring, beautybush is filled with thousands of pink flowers on its slightly arching branches, but is rather lacklustre the rest of the year. A deciduous shrub native to the rocky, mountainous areas of southern China, it has tolerance for a wide range of soil types.
The grayish green leaves are simple and held in opposite pairs on the brown branches that sometimes have flaky bark. In late spring the upright and arching branches are lined with thousands of small bell-shaped flowers that range in color from pale to medium pink, attracting bees and butterflies. The small fruits that follow are pinkish brown and fuzzy.
Grow beautybush in full sun for finest flowering displays. Any soil that is fertile but well-drained will suffice. Flowers develop on year-old wood so only trim or severely cut-back (to rejuvanate) immediately after the spring blossoming. Use beautybush in the background of the mixed shrub border where other shrubs can dra attention away from this plant when it's not in flower. It can be a good screen or informal hedge.

Genus - Kolkwitzia
Species - Amabilis
Common name - Beauty Bush
Pre-Treatment - Required
Hardiness zones - 4 - 8
Height - 8'-12' / 2.40 - 3.70 m
Spread - 8'-12' / 2.40 - 3.70 m
Plant type - Shrub
Vegetation type - Deciduous ornamental
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Shade
Growth rate - Medium
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil type - Clay, laom, Sand, well drained
Water requirements - Drought tolerant, average water
Landscape uses - Hedges, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break
Bloom season - Spring, late spring
Leaf / Flower color - Green / Pink, Light Pink

GERMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Soak in hot tap water, let stand in water for 24 hours.
2. Cold/moist stratify for 30-60 days in moist vermiculite or sterile sand in airtight container or zip lock bag.
3. After the pretreatment sow seed 6 mm (1/4") deep, tamp the soil, keep moist, mulch the seed bed.
Or natural fall sowing for spring germination.