Beauty Bush (Kolkwitzia amabilis)
Key Identification Features
Description
Beauty Bush is a deciduous shrub that has taken root in some lower parts of New York and sporadically throughout New England. It has a general arching structure and can vaguely resemble a vase-shape, reaching 6 to 10 feet tall. The leaves are opposite, ovate and simple with smooth margins. There are 2 leaves per node. The bark of these adult shrubs is smooth and peels easily. Beauty Bush produces vibrant pink flowers from April to May.
Native Range
Kolkwitzia amabilis is native to eastern China. It arrived in the United States as a desired landscaping shrub.
Habitat and Dispersion
Beauty Bush grows best in fertile, moist and well-drained soil. It therefore often becomes established in disturbed habitats, or forest edges. The plant is, however, pretty tolerant of various pH conditions. The flowers attract insect pollinators which aid in the plants reproduction and spread.
Best Management Practices
The best way to manage this species is to avoid planting it. Native shrub alternatives should be utilized for landscaping purposes. To manage existing infestations, digging up the plant mass and then disposing of it through desiccation should have positive effects on minimizing population size. Returning to the location for a few years may be necessary to ensure eradication.