Dipelta ventricosa

Dipelta ventricosa is a deciduous shrub, rare in cultivation, related to Weigela and Kolkwitzia, with possibly greater ornamental value. It captivates with its spring flowering in clusters of small, richly coloured campanulate flowers in shades of lilac-pink with a bright orange throat that appear on the plant alongside a decorative fruiting, adorned with round, pink bracts. Just like its famous cousins, the rare Dipelta is easy-to-grow in ordinary, moist, even chalky soil. It deserves to be discovered and planted as a specimen but also integrates very well into a group of plants or romantic borders, a flowering hedge, or simply the garden of a plant enthusiast.

Originally from western and central China, the Dipelta ventricosa was introduced to England in 1904 and later distinguished by the Royal Horticultural Society. It belongs to the caprifoliaceae family. This lime-loving shrub has a widely bushy habit and reaches an average of 3m (9 ft 10 in) in all directions, sometimes much more. Flowering occurs in May, in the axils of the leaves and at the end of the branches, in the form of corymbs of 3 flowers. Each bell-shaped flower, is swollen at the base and equipped with two papery, round bracts, 2cm (0.8 in) wide, rich lilac-pink on the outside, lighter on the inside and illuminated by an orange throat. This flowering, unlike that of Dipelta floribunda, is not scented. It is quickly followed by the formation of curious fruits, surrounded by two pretty pink bracts veined with carmine. The deciduous foliage is composed of simple leaves with entire margins arranged oppositely. They are medium green, ovate-lanceolate and have a petiole. Note that the leaves of this species are smaller and narrower than those of Dipelta floribunda.

Hardy to at least -15°C, the Dipelta ventricosa is undoubtedly the most beautiful representative of the genus, even if it lacks fragrance. It thrives in sunny or semi-shaded positions, in moist but well-drained soil. Its unusual and delightful flowering and fruiting surpass in beauty those of its cousins Diervillea, Kolkwitzia, and Weigela, which it also blends well with, in the garden. Plant it as a specimen in front of a mass of larger shrubs with staggered flowering or autumn foliage. In a mass planting give it companions such as Neilia affinis, Hydrangea anomala, and Viburnum, which grow alongside it in the Chinese mountains. Or variegated dogwoods, spireas, ornamental brambles, or a simple mock orange for fragrance. In the background, the very dark foliage of hollies or yews will form a beautiful backdrop for its exotic flowering and provide decoration in winter.