BBC Gardeners' World

Plant details

• Common Name: Stachyurus
• Genus: Stachyurus
• Species: praecox
• Skill Level: experienced
• Exposure: full sun, partial shade
• Hardiness: hardy
• Soil type: acidic, moist, well-drained/light
• Height: 2.5m
• Spread: 3m

There are several species of stachyurus, the only member of its family and distinguished by its small bell- or cup-shaped flowers strung along catkin-like spikes or racemes. These appear in great numbers before the leaves, their soft colouring standing out against the bare reddish-purple stems. S. praecox is a precocious species, as the name suggests, and the first to flower, from late winter onwards in a mild season. It will grow in most soils, but only succeeds in full sun if the soil is moist, and it prefers slightly acid conditions. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).