This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moderately fertile, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: fast-growing
• Flowering period: March to May
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  The stems of this easy to grow shrub are studded along their length with large (up to 5cm across), many-petalled flowers, which start to open just before the foliage appears. Not only do these flowers add a bright splash of colour early in the year, but they are also sought after by bees, helping them to top up their energy levels. Their stems are thorn-free, which makes it much easier to tie them onto a support and train them as a wall shrub (if space is limited), and it also makes it possible to plant them near a pathway without worrying about getting snagged every time you pass.
  
  
• Garden care: After flowering prune side shoots to five or six leaves and remove crossing or ill-placed stems. Once established remove excess growth in late spring or summer and cut back all side shoots to two or three leaves.