Dipelta yunnanensis

Dipelta yunnanensis, the Yunnan Dipelta, is a beautiful deciduous bush related to Kolkwitzias and Weigelas that deserves to be discovered. Perfectly hardy and not demanding in terms of soil, it may be even more decorative. It charms with its abundant and fragrant spring flowering made of pale pink bells with an orange throat, and then with its decorative fruiting. This variety adapts to any moist soil that is not too dry in summer, even chalky. The Dipelta fits perfectly in country or romantic flower beds, in a flowering hedge, or simply in the garden of a plant enthusiast.

Originally from China, specifically from the Yunnan province, Dipelta yunnanensis belongs to the caprifoliaceae family. This calcicolous botanical species was introduced to Europe in 1910. In the wild, it is found in open forests between 2500 and 3000 m altitude. This deciduous bush has an initially upright habit, then slightly spreading. Its growth is quite fast, ultimately reaching between 2 and 4 m in all directions. Its pale brown bark, which peels off in flakes, is interesting in winter. Its flexible branches bear large, deciduous, 5 to 12 cm long leaves arranged oppositely. They are entire, elliptical, with a rounded base, hairy on the underside with veins. The abundant and decorative flowering takes place in May. It takes the form of small clusters or corymbs composed of a few bell-shaped, 2 to 2.5 cm long flowers, pale pink on the outside, speckled with orange-yellow on the inside. This fragrant flowering attracts pollinators. The decorative fruit is a capsule surrounded by 2 papery, rounded bracts, initially white, becoming pale brown.

Hardy to at least -15°C and fragrant, Dipelta yunnanensis is one of the most beautiful representatives of its genus. It only flowers well in sunny locations and moist soil. Its unusual and charming flowering and fruiting surpasses the beauty of its cousins, Diervilla, Kolkwitzia, and Weigelas, with which it also associates well in the garden. Plant it as a specimen in front of a mass of larger shrubs with staggered flowering or autumn foliage, such as large Japanese maples. In a shrub bed, combine it with Neillia affinis, Hydrangea anomala, and Viburnum opulus species of Viburnum. In the background, the very dark foliage of holly or yew will form a beautiful setting for its exotic flowering and provide winter decoration.