Yunnan Honeysuckle

A choice, quite rare plant from the honeysuckle family, Dipelta yunnanensis is a large, deciduous shrub with arching branches and attractive pale brown, peeling bark, looking rather like a weigela. Elliptical, glossy, mid-green leaves are 5 (12cm) long. Small clusters of scented, white, funnel-shaped flowers, 1 (2.5cm) long, with a pink flush and orange markings in the throat, appear in April and May. Conspicuous pinkish-green bracts surround the little fruits. Yunnan honeysuckle comes from Western China.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soils: Fertile, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soils
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: All year
Hardiness: Hardy
Height eventually to 10 (3m) Spread to 13 (4m)