Hardy, spring-flowering shrub Description: Numerous, small, double pink blossoms cover the branches in early spring Habit: Forms a small bushy shrub with slender, erect stems, growing 4 to 6 feet high and 3 to 4 feet wide Culture: Prefers full sun to part shade and well-prepared soil Hardiness: Cold hardy to USDA Zone 4 Origin: China Jefferson documented This showy flowering shrub is native to central and northern China and was long cultivated in Japan before its introduction to the West in 1774. In 1794 Thomas Jefferson noted "dble blossd almond" in a list of "Objects for the garden this year" and planted them in his nursery. He also cultivated this ornamental shrub in clumps on the west and south slopes of Monticello. In The American Gardener's Calendar (1806), Philadelphia nurseryman Bernard McMahon recommended forcing the plant into flower by bringing it into the hot-house in February. The double-flowering sorts were popular shrubs in Victorian and Edwardian gardens.
| 