Stachyurus praecox Not a common plant, Stachyurus praecox deserves to be better known for its lovely display of flowers in late winter. It’s a large, deciduous shrub with an arching, spreading habit and deep purplish-red stems. The leaves are pointed, slender ovals. From February to April, 3 ½”/8cm stiff little ‘tails’ of bell-shaped, greenish-yellow flowers hang from the bare branches; these are a valuable nectar source for pollinators. Early Stachyurus can also be wall-trained. It holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Site: Tolerates exposureSoil: Well drained, humus-rich, acid to neutral soil, preferably moistPosition: Full sun or partial shadeSeason of interest: All year, especially late winterHardiness: Fully hardyHeight: 10’ (3m) Spread: 10’ (3m)