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Neillia spp.

neillia

Rosaceae Himalayas and East Asia

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 5–8

Overview

Neillia spp. is a genus of about a dozen deciduous shrubs in the rose family (Rosaceae), native to East Asia and the Himalayas and closely related to ninebark (Physocarpus spp.). Plants form arching, suckering thickets 3-6 ft (0.9-1.8 m) tall and as wide, with slender, often zigzag stems and peeling brown bark on older wood. The leaves are alternate, ovate, sharply lobed and double-toothed, 1.5-4 in (4-10 cm) long, sometimes coloring yellow in autumn. In late spring and early summer, slender terminal racemes 1-3 in (2.5-8 cm) long carry many small, tubular, pink to rose flowers. Dry, bristly seed capsules follow. The genus spreads steadily by suckers and can form broad colonies, which makes it useful for massing but a nuisance in small borders. Plants are hardy, adaptable, and undemanding, growing in most moist soils.

Native Range

Neillia spp. ranges across the Himalayas and East Asia, from northern India and Nepal through southwestern and central China to Korea, growing along forest margins, streamsides, and on moist mountain slopes. It is most diverse in China.

Suggested Uses

Neillia spp. is used in shrub borders, informal hedges, woodland edges, and bank plantings where its suckering habit binds the soil. Plants are spaced 4-5 ft (1.2-1.5 m) apart, closer for a continuous mass. The arching form combines with spring bulbs and woodland perennials.

How to Identify

Identify Neillia spp. by its arching, slender, sometimes zigzag stems, peeling bark, and sharply lobed, double-toothed leaves. Slim terminal racemes of small tubular pink flowers in early summer separate it from the rounded flower clusters of related ninebark and spirea. Suckering growth and dry bristly fruit capsules are further clues.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 6'

Width/Spread3' - 6'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer, generally May to June, on the tips of the current shoots. Many small tubular pink to rose flowers line one-sided racemes that open over 2-4 weeks. Light rebloom sometimes follows on strong new growth in late summer.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Pink to rose

Foliage Description

Bright green, yellow in autumn

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay sand

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-4 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Neillia spp. grows in full sun to part shade in most moist, fertile soils across a pH of 5.5-7.0 that do not dry out. The genus is hardy through USDA zones 5-8 and needs little attention once established. Plants sucker freely and can spread well beyond the original clump, so root spread is contained where space is tight. Flowering is heavier in sun, while light shade suits hotter regions. Dry soil leads to early leaf drop and weak growth. Renewal pruning keeps the thicket vigorous and within bounds.

Pruning

Neillia spp. is pruned right after flowering, with about a quarter to a third of the oldest stems cut to the ground each year to renew the thicket. Spent flowering wood is shortened to strong side shoots. Suckers are dug out to limit spread where needed.