An immensely graceful and robust deciduous shrub native to wooodlands in the Himalaya and into Tibet. Upright and arching this fine textured shrub emerges with attractive wine red leaves that are pointed with a jagged edge and mature to grass green. To 6′ tall and arching 4′ wide in 10 years. In late May and into June the red stems host tubular rose pink flowers in cluster at the tips, throats of these dainty flowers are white with tiny white petals around the tips. Very pretty. In time it can spread by very local stolons near the base. Best in part shade and rich soil with regular summer water during its first dry season- then a deep soak once a month in summer in subsequent years will suffice. In Autumn foliage takes on red and orange tints before dropping. This makes a lovely informal hedge in a woodland or single specimen. Established shrubs grow well under Oregon white oaks. It also inhabits places with brief winter inundation and is tolerant of clay soils. Long lived and cold hardy to -20ºF, excellent performance in central Oregon. Rose family- not deer resistant. This is a seldom seen but exceptionally pretty shrub. Blooms on wood from the previous season prune if needed after flowering. The texture and form of this shrub allows it to consort naturally with many of our native plants. Mix with Spiraea, Oemleria, Holodiscus, Very easy and carefree. Not prone to disease. Fine branching pattern is attractive in winter as well.
