beauty bush

Kolkwitzia amabilis

ShrubCaprifoliaceae

beauty bush
Deer-resistantDrought tolerant
USDA zones4 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size6 to 10 feet tall6 to 10 feet wide
Habit
Arching
Bloom season
Spring
Bloom color
Pink with yellow throat
Foliage color
Gold/yellow, green, white
Soil types
Sand, loam, clay, chalk
Soil pH
Acid, alkaline, neutral

Garden uses

BorderCottage gardenFoundationHedgeLow maintenancePollinator gardenPrivacy screenSpecimenWinter interest

Attracts

HummingbirdsBeesBirds

Notes

Beauty bush (Kolkwitzia amabilis) is an arching shrub for borders, cottage gardens, specimen planting, and hedges. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to moist soil of most types. Pink flowers with yellow throats open in early to late spring and draw hummingbirds, bees, and birds. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything.

Pairs well with Star magnolia, Standing Ovation little bluestem, Lily, and Hazelnut.

Native range

Eastern China.