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 they add a bright splash of colour early in the year, but the flowers also attract bees, who seek them out so they can top up their energy levels after winter. 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.