Fortunearia is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to forest areas in central China. It is in the same family as the witch hazels (Hamamelidaceae). This shrub has modest ornamental qualities, but is perhaps best noted for its early spring flowers and its attractive foliage. It typically grows to 12-15' tall. Tiny flowers in terminal racemes (to 2" long) bloom in April. Showy red anthers give the flower its color. Flowers give way to brown fruits (woody capsules). Obovate to obovate-oblong dark green leaves to 6" long have serrate margins. Genus name honors Robert Fortune (1813-1880), Scottish botanist and plant collector. (info source: missouribotanicalgarden.org)
Genus - Fortunearia
Species - Sinensis
Common name - Fortunearia
Pre-Treatment - Required
Hardiness zones - 4 - 8
Height - 12'-18' / 4 - 6 m
Spread - 12'-18' / 4 - 6 m
Plant type - Tree / Shrub
Vegetation type - Deciduous
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Shade
Growth rate - Medium
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral
Soil type - Clay, loam, sand, well drained
Water requirements - Average
Landscape uses - Shrub borders. Woodland margins. May be difficult to locate this plant in commerce.
Germination rate - 70%
Bloom season - April-May
Leaf / Flower color - Green / Red
Useful Info | |
Germination | 1. Soak in very warm water for 24 hours. 2. Stratify in dampened peat, sand, moist vermiculite in a airtight plastic box or zip lock bag at +4 - +5C in a refrigerator for 90 days. The seeds should not be frozen or in a wet medium. 3. After the pretreatment, sow in deep of the seed size in a well drained seed sowing mix at about 15-18C. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm long taken at a node or with a heel, July/August in a frame. Very easy. |