Jetbead is a mounding deciduous shrub growing 3-6’ tall and is native to Japan and central China. It was introduced into the US in 1866 as an ornamental and has become invasive from New England to Wisconsin, south to South Carolina and Alabama, where it creates a dense shrub layer in forested areas, displacing native vegetation. Jetbead is a member of the rose family, Rosaceaea, that also includes cherry, lady’s mantle, and pyracantha. The medium green leaves are bright green , have prominent veins, and densely cover the plant but have unremarkable fall color. The 2” wide 4-petaled white flowers appear in late spring and give way to glossy black fruits that persist into winter. The shrub has limited ornamental value but is easy to grow, tolerates full sun to full shade and a wide range of soil conditions, and can be sheared or heavily pruned. The generic name Rhodotypos comes from the Greek words rhodon meaning rose and typos meaning type. The specific epithet scandens comes from the Latin word scando meaning climb.
Type: Deciduous shrub
Outstanding Feature: Dense foliage
Form: Mounding, spreading with age
Growth Rate: Medium
Bloom: Two inch wide 4-petaled white flowers in late spring
Size: 3-6’ H x 4-9’ W
Light: Full sun to full shade
Soil: Average medium moist, well-drained
Hardiness: Zones4-8
Care: Low maintenance
Pests and Diseases: None of significance
Propagation: Seed