A native of Yunnan in western China, this deciduous shrub grows in open woodland, and along forest edges and waterways. White felted shoots bear lanceolate silver-green leaves up to ten inches long that are felted on their lower surface. An abundance of slender, densely-packed, arching panicles of creamy white flowers with a yellow to orange eye and vanilla fragrance are produced in late summer into fall.
Type: Deciduous shrub
Outstanding Features: White felted foliage, creamy-white fragrant flowers
Form: Open, loose
Growth Rate: Slow
Bloom: Densely packed slender panicles of creamy white fragrant flowers with yellow to orange eye in late summer to autumn
Size: 10’ H x 10’ W
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Fertile, moist, well-drained
Hardiness: Zones 8-9
Care: Prune in early spring as buds begin to swell. Can be cut to the ground.
Pests and Diseases: None of significance
Propagation: Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer; hardwood cuttings in autumn
