Dipelta

(Dipel'ta)

DESCRIPTION: This group consists of only four deciduous, large shrubs native to China. D. floribunda is a rare, large shrub growing from 6 to 12 feet high. This shrub produces beautiful, bell-shaped, fragrant blossoms in late spring. The 11/2-inch long flowers are rosy-pink with yellow throats.

POTTING: These shrubs will tolerate alkaline and poor soil, but the best is well-drained loamy soil. Pruning, which should be done after flowering, consists of removing old and crowded branches.

PROPAGATION: These shrubs can be difficult to propagate, that is why they are somewhat rare. However, the easiest method is to take cuttings of soft shoots in May or June, or of firmer wood in July and insert them in a closed frame, which can be opened after a few weeks.

VARIETIES: D. floribunda & var. parviflora; D. ventricosa.

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