Leptodermis Species, Chinese Leptodermis

Small, cute, fragrant.

This is an attractive shrub, though it's a member of the chorus rather than a leading lady. The flowers are pretty, and bloom in frequent...Read More flushes from June till frost. The first flush is profuse and showy. After that, the flowers are attractive from a few yards away but don't read well from greater distances. The fragrance reminds me of Korean lilac or privet, but I can't detect it unless I sniff the flowers.

There was some dieback in the first year, but not much once it was established. I find that cutting it back in early winter helps it branch and grow more densely and prevents snow damage. I too have found it to spread slowly by suckering, but it's not aggressive.

It's late to leaf out in spring, so don't be hasty to cut back what you think might be dead. The foliage is healthy and fine textured. No fall color.

I've grown this in part shade for five years now, in Boston (Z6a). In time it can get much taller than indicated above. Mine are 3-4 feet tall by the end of the season and would be taller if I didn't repeatedly cut them back.

Often described as being inconspicuous, I actually find this to be an attractive little shrub. I have it planted in a partly sunny locat...Read Moreion that receives a significant amount of reflected light/heat off of a bay window. It is dense and compact (about 2' high by 2' diameter), it has tons of small lavender tubular flowers for about a month and new branch growth is maroon, providing an attractive contrast to its bright green leaves. While it is isn't the center of attraction in its bed, it is a great little complimentary shrub. Sadly, I have not seen any pollinators taking advantage of its bountiful display of flowers over the four years that I've had it.

I have seen some of these that looked pretty nice and bloomed through most of the summer. The fragrance isn't strong and only noticeable ...Read Moreif you're close to the plant or have several of them planted together. I planted one last year and it has yet to bloom in full sun. It's not a bad plant in bloom but otherwise it's nothing special.