Flowers: Spring

Height: 12 feet

Position: Full Sun

Hardiness Rating: 9 10

Germination: Experience Useful

Aftercare: Care Required

Description: A delightful shrub, ideal for making an exotic hedge that erupts into masses of golden-yellow flower heads in spring. Makes a unique backdrop for a spring bulb display.

Sowing Instructions: Sowing Time: Sow at any time of year. Lightly file one end of each seed or soak for 24 hours in tepid water before sowing. Seeds that swell up should be sown immediately. Those that do not should be pricked with a needle and returned top soak, and removed once swollen. Sow in pots or trays of moist seed compost and cover with a fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator or warm place, and keep at a constant temperature of between 20-25C (68-77F). After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged; germination will usually take 21-30 days.

Growing Instructions: When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots or trays. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 1.2m (4ft) apart or into large containers.

Aftercare Instructions: Hardy in southern regions, in other areas give winter protection.