Stacbyurus in cultivation

摘要

THE DESIRE FOR multi-seasonal gardens has always been strong, and the introduction of winter- to early-spring-flowering shrubs continually grows to accommodate this. Such interest is reflected in the popularity of Daphne, Hamamelis and Sarcococca, andStachyttrus has benefited as well. Recent plant exploration in eastern Asia has widened the range of species available but Stachyurus remains under-utilised in gardens. Dan Hinkley remarked in the 2000 Heronswood Nursery catalogue: 'Yet if one comes across these with their astounding, glistening yellow catkins held on burgundy stems, with elegantly vaulting branches forming arches of ratified blossoms while still in the depths of winter, then you might beg for a further stay or study". How can one everforget caressing the catkins that EA Bowles (1914) likened to 'pretty hanging tails like threaded Cowslips.' Graham Stuart Thomas eloquently summed up the kinetic surprise of Stachyurus in Colour in the Winter Garden (1994): 'Every breeze, or a child'sfinger, moves the catkins of the nuts, and their pollen floats away to drift on to the crimson tassels of the female flowers. Not so do the Stachyurus flowers dangle. Surprise is always noted in a beholder's eyes when we shake a branch hung well with the ropes of cream bells, like white currants, in February. The stalks are stiff and do not move.'