Beauty Bush (Kolkwitzia amabilis) are deciduous shrubs with arching branches. These shrubs grow into a vase shape and are covered by flowers in the spring. The bell-shaped flowers are light pink with yellow interiors. After the spring bloom, small fruits and dark green leaves populate the plant. The leaves turn to a non-showy yellow in fall. Winter brings exfoliating bark, creating year-round interest.
Beauty Bush prefers average fertility, medium moisture, well drained soils in full sun. Some pruning of these shrubs is advisable. Cut away dead wood as necessary and thin out overgrown stems. Cutting to the ground every few years is an option to keep the shrub looking tidy, but will result in a loss of flowering for the following spring.
Beauty Bush are coveted for their masses of spring blooms, as evidenced by the name. They can be planted singularly as an ornamental feature or aligned to create a screen or hedge.
