Other Names:  Hopbush, Hopseed Bush, Hopwood, Candlewood

Description:

A fast growing shrub that is great as a hedge or informal screen; insignificant flowers are followed by showy, winged, reddish-burgundy fruits that are great for cut flower arrangements; showiest in full sun; tolerant of dry summer conditions

Ornamental Features

Brilliant Hop Bush is primarily grown for its highly ornamental fruit. It produces abundant clusters of red hop-like fruit with burgundy overtones from late winter to early summer, which fade to coppery-bronze over time. It has attractive dark green foliage with hints of silver which emerges light green in spring. The tiny narrow pinnately compound leaves are highly ornamental and remain dark green throughout the winter. The shaggy tan bark and brick red branches are extremely showy and add significant winter interest.

Landscape Attributes

Brilliant Hop Bush is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and can be pruned at anytime. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Brilliant Hop Bush is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use
• Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Brilliant Hop Bush will grow to be about 8 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 2 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is native to parts of North America.

Brilliant Hop Bush makes a fine choice for the outdoor landscape, but it is also well-suited for use in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when grown in a container, it may not perform exactly as indicated on the tag - this is to be expected. Also note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.