Great Plant Pick: Stachyurus praecox aka stachyurus

Published 1:30 am Saturday, February 22, 2020

What: Stachyurus praecox, commonly shortened to just stachyurus, is an elegant shrub. It has arching stems that create a graceful vase-like habit and, in late winter, the display of pendulous, creamy-yellow flowers is a lovely precursor to springtime and provides for early foraging bees. Each chain has 10 to 20 dainty, bell-shaped blossoms. The deciduous foliage is typically yellow to golden in autumn.

Where: This unusual large shrub prefers full sun to light or open shade. Plant it in rich and moist to well-drained soil, although it will tolerate clay, if the drainage is adequate.

Size: The shrub will grow to be 15 feet tall and 15 feet wide when mature.

Care: Once established, provide occasional watering to keep stachyurus looking its best. Little pruning is needed to maintain its form. Only remove any dead, broken or poorly-formed limbs. Provide ample space for this large shrub to fully develop.

— Richie Steffen, Great Plant Picks