Stachyurus chinensis Goldbeater

Stachyurus chinensis 'Goldbeater' is a variety with golden foliage of a little known bush with beautiful ornamental qualities. It seduces with its purple branches in contrast with its golden yellow foliage, and its sculptural, pendulous yellow bell-shaped flower clusters which appear in late winter on bare branches. It forms a deciduous bush of about 1.5m in all directions, to be grown in the sun in moist non-calcareous soil. Plant it against a dark-coloured wall to highlight its beauty and the beautiful colour of its flowers and foliage.

Stachyurus chinensis is a semi-climbing shrub belonging to the rare Stachyuraceae family. Native to China, it grows in light, moist, humus-bearing, and acidic soils only. It shows great tolerance regarding exposure. Although the bush withstands frosts down to -15°C, its flowering is sensitive to late frosts and dry, cold winds. It is deciduous, losing its leaves in autumn to regain them in spring. The 'Goldbeater' cultivar stands out for the beautiful golden yellow colour of its foliage. Its habit is bushy and spreading, supported by long flexible stems. Its rapid growth allows it to reach about 1.5 metres in all directions in a few years. Its flowering occurs in March, on bare, purple branches before the appearance of the foliage. Its flowers are small cream-white bell-shaped flowers slightly tinged with green and yellow, grouped in fine pendulous clusters of about 10 cm. The decorative young shoots and sulfur-yellow buds take over in early spring. In autumn, the leaves offer a fabulous spectacle by turning yellow and then through shades of pink, purple, red, and orange. The foliage is composed of ovate to oblong, glossy leaves, thin as paper, with a toothed margin.

Stachyurus chinensis Goldbeater is a graceful subject both in borders and as a specimen, thanks to its spreading habit, remarkable flowering, and beautiful foliage. If it is backed against a south or west-facing wall, its flowering is more abundant. Its flower clusters stand out particularly well against a bamboo screen or in contrast with dark-foliaged shrubs such as yew, boxwood, or conifers. You can associate it with Hamamelis, Itea, Pieris, Clethra, Calycanthus or even hydrangea paniculata which appreciate the same environments. It is also suitable for Japanese gardens or clear undergrowth. The yellow flower clusters bring a touch of vibrant colour to darker gardens. Also, associate it with perennials and shrubs such as daffodils, bluebells, camellias, and azaleas, which are excellent choices to complement the spring colour palette. Ferns and hostas are also good options to add texture and contrast to the shade garden.