Neillia thyrsiflora
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
Neillia thyrsiflora is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 3
Where it is found
Exposed slopes along streams at elevations of 1600 - 2100 metres in Nepal. In bushes at elevations of 1000 - 3000 metres in NW Yunnan, China.
E. Asia - Himalayas to western China, Burma and south to Indonesia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit - eaten when fully ripe.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a moist, well aerated soil in a sunny or partly shaded position. This species is nt very winter hardy, tolerating temperatures down to about -5 c. It succeeds outdoors in the milder areas of Britain. Unlike other members of this genus, this species flowers on the current season's growth and so any pruning is best carried out in late winter or early spring.
Propagating it: Seed - sow late winter or early spring in a warm greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a semi-shaded position in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Softwood cuttings in early summer. Semi-ripe cuttings in the summer in a closed frame with botom heat. Division of suckers in the autumn.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist