Stachyurus, Genus, praecox, Species,
- Genus & species
Early spiketail
Overview
Stachyurus praecox is a deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub in the family Stachyuraceae, native to Japan. Plants grow 6–12 feet (1.8–3.7 m) tall and 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m) wide, with arching, reddish-brown stems. Leaves are alternate, ovate to oblong, 3–6 inches (7.5–15 cm) long, with serrated margins and a tapered tip, and they emerge after flowering. Pale yellow, bell-shaped flowers, about 0.3 inch (8 mm) long, are held in pendulous, stiffly hanging racemes 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long on bare stems from late winter to early spring. Flower buds form in autumn and remain visible on the stems through winter as tight green-red beads. Plants are hardy in USDA zones 6–8 and grow in part shade in moist, acidic, humus-rich soil. Open racemes and swollen buds are susceptible to damage from hard frost, and plants in exposed, windy sites often lose flowers before they open. Foliage is coarse-textured and the shrub has a loose, open habit outside the flowering period.
Native Range
Native to Japan, where it grows in mountain forests and thickets from Honshu to Kyushu. Grown in temperate gardens outside its native range.Suggested Uses
Used in woodland gardens, shrub borders, and at the edges of shaded patios, spaced 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m) apart. Racemes open in late winter, when few other shrubs are in flower. The loose habit and sensitivity to hard frost limit use in exposed sites.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 12'
Width/Spread6' - 10'
Bloom Information
Flowers open from late February to April, depending on climate and the severity of the winter. Racemes remain in flower for 3–4 weeks. Flower buds are visible from autumn onward. Freezing temperatures during opening can brown the flowers and shorten the display.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Medium greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-6 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
Growth is steadiest in part shade with morning sun and protection from wind, in moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil with pH 5.5–7.0 and high organic matter content. Full sun is tolerated where soil moisture is maintained. Water is applied at 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week during the first two growing seasons and during dry periods afterward. Cold hardiness is USDA zones 6–8. A 2–3 inch (5–8 cm) layer of organic mulch conserves soil moisture. Flower buds are susceptible to hard frost in late winter.Pruning
Pruning is done immediately after flowering in spring, because flower buds for the following year form on growth made during the growing season. Removing one-quarter of the oldest stems at ground level every two to three years maintains an open structure and flower production. Dead and crossing stems are removed at any time. Plants tolerate hard pruning but produce few flowers the following spring.Pruning Schedule
Prune: April–May
late spring