The beauty bush in flower is a striking sight, totally covered in a cloud of pink blossom. So it is not surprising that this species, the only one in its genus, is said to have been the favourite of its discoverer, Ernest H. Wilson. Wilson presented this Chinese beauty to western eyes in the early 1900s. It quickly became established as an easily cared for and showy garden plant.
Over the years the beauty bush develops into a broad, fairly tall shrub with curved branches. In the Stockholm area there are individuals which have reached small tree dimensions, over 4m. However, at Mustila it is at the extreme limit of its hardiness and despite a favourable site it freezes down to the snow line in colder winters. After recuperating for a few years, if winters are milder, it again bursts showily into flower.
