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Neillia affinis
Chinese neillia
W China (Sichuan, Yunnan; forest margins, thickets, stream banks; 4000-10000 ft / 1200-3000 m)
Overview
Neillia affinis is a deciduous, suckering shrub reaching 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) tall with a spread of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) and a graceful, arching habit with slender, zigzag stems. Native to western China (Sichuan, Yunnan), this Rosaceae member features alternate, ovate to triangular leaves 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long with 3 shallow lobes and doubly serrate margins, medium green, on reddish-brown stems. The flowers are small, tubular, 0.3-0.5 inch (8-13 mm) long, pink, borne in dense terminal racemes 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long in May-June, giving an overall soft pink effect along the arching branches. Growth rate is moderate to fast. Hardy to zone 6. Spreads by root suckers to form thickets. The arching stems with pink racemes recall Spiraea but with a more refined, arching character. Uncommon in cultivation.
Native Range
Neillia affinis is native to western China—Sichuan and Yunnan provinces—in forest margins, thickets, and stream banks at 4,000-10,000 feet (1,200-3,000 m).Suggested Uses
Planted as a specimen, in mixed borders, or as an informal hedge at 4-5 foot (1.2-1.5 m) spacing. The arching pink racemes provide late spring interest. Spreads by suckers—useful for naturalizing but may require management in borders. Uncommon in cultivation. Not suitable for formal settings or confined spaces where suckering is problematic.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4' - 6'
Width/Spread4' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Small tubular pink flowers 0.3-0.5 inch (8-13 mm) in dense terminal racemes 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, May-June. Bloom along arching branches creates a cascading pink effect. Bloom duration is 3-4 weeks.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pink; small tubular 0.3-0.5 inch in dense terminal racemes 2-4 inches; May-Jun; cascading on arching branchesFoliage Description
Medium green; alternate ovate to triangular 2-4 inches; 3 shallow lobes; doubly serrate; on reddish-brown zigzag stemsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil (pH 5.5-7.0). Hardy to zone 6. Tolerates a range of soils. Spreads by root suckers—may require containment. Prune after flowering. Relatively pest- and disease-free.Pruning
Prune immediately after flowering in June-July, as flowers form on previous year's wood. Remove 1/3 of oldest stems at ground level annually to maintain vigor and arching form. Remove unwanted suckers to control spread.Pruning Schedule
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summer