Beautybush
Kolkwitzia amabilis
An underutilized gem that creates a spectacular spring display with cascading branches covered in pink bell-shaped flowers. This graceful, fountain-like shrub earned its common name honestly - few plants can match its breathtaking beauty when in full bloom, attracting bees and butterflies by the dozens. The exfoliating bark provides winter interest, making this a true four-season plant.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
4–8
USDA hardiness
Height
6-10 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Beautybush in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 shrub →Zone Map
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Beautybush · Zones 4–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: #showy flowers#deciduous#drought tolerant#interesting bark#specimen#low maintenance#winter interest#deer resistant#foundation planting#border planting#pollinator plant#clay soils tolerant#lawn planting#landscape plant sleuths course. Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 6 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.. Maintenance: 'Maradco' DREAM CATCHERsoft pink flowers, foliage changes with seasons from yellow to golden chartreuse, to orange and gold 'Pink Cloud'clear pink blooms that are slightly larger than the species, 'Maradco' DREAM CATCHER, 'Pink Cloud'. Propagation: Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The fruits are brown, 1/4-inch long, hairy, bristly ovoid capsules that appear in loose clusters. They typically persist on the plant after leaf drop.
Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Capsule. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Bloom time: Spring
History & Origin
Origin: Central and East Central China
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer, Drought
- +Attracts: Resistant to damage by deer.
- +Wildlife value: The flowers attract pollinators.
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Lavender
Repels pests and attracts beneficial pollinators, thrives in similar well-drained conditions
Spirea
Similar growing requirements and bloom times create attractive layered plantings
Catmint
Deters aphids and ants while attracting beneficial insects, complements beautybush's growth habit
Weigela
Compatible flowering shrub with similar sun and soil requirements, extends bloom season
Allium
Natural pest deterrent that repels aphids and other soft-bodied insects
Clematis
Climbing vine that uses beautybush as natural support while adding vertical interest
Russian Sage
Drought-tolerant perennial that complements beautybush and repels deer and rabbits
Hosta
Provides attractive ground cover in partial shade areas beneath beautybush canopy
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which is toxic to many plants and can stunt beautybush growth
Rhododendron
Competing root systems and different soil pH requirements create growth conflicts
Eucalyptus
Allelopathic properties inhibit growth of nearby plants through chemical compounds in fallen leaves
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent disease resistance
Common Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Very disease resistant, occasional minor fungal issues in humid conditions