Rhodotypos scandens - Jetbead

The one and only member of the Rhodotypos genus is a distant relative of the Rose and is native to China and Japan. It forms a fast growing, arching shrub up to 8 feet and sometimes more. Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 6 feet; largest on record - 17 x 10 feet.
The deeply-veined, sharply-toothed, oval leaves are up to 7 x 5.5 inches on vigorous shoots, though usually much less. The foliage is fresh bright green in summer, turning to yellow or somewhat red in autumn. The Jetbead is among the first shrubs to leaf out in spring.
The abundant, 4 petalled, white flowers, up to 2 inches wide, are borne single at the tips of the branches during late spring to early summer.
They are followed by black berries that ripen during summer and persist well into winter.
Hardy zone 4 to 8 in sun or shade on a moist, fertile, light, well drained soil. Tolerates deep shade. Pruning can be done mid winter. Cut back old shoots that have lost their vigor immediately after flowering. Propagation is from seed which should be soaked in warm water for 24 hours. Also from half hardened cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings taken in winter.

* Photo taken on April 11 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum


* historical archive photos

* photos taken on Apr 17 2016 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photos taken on Apr 14 2017 @ Patuxent Research Refuge, Laurel, MD

* photos taken on Sep 3 2017 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.