Alias: Gold Belt
Morphological Characteristics:
This is a deciduous shrub with slender, arched branchlets that are quadrangular in shape. The leaves are opposite and compound, consisting of three leaflets. Each leaflet is ovate or elongated-ovate, with a pointed tip and short, fine hairs along the edges. The flowers are yellow on the inside and red on the outside. They appear singly on axillary branches from the previous year, and the first leaves open in early spring. The corolla lobes are approximately half the length of the corolla tube. Flowering occurs between February and March.
Distribution:
Native to various regions in China, including Shandong, Henan, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Gansu, Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Liaoning. It is widely cultivated in the Yangtze River Valley for ornamental purposes.
Habitat:
This temperate shrub is adaptable and thrives in warm, moist environments. It can tolerate some cold and drought but is sensitive to waterlogging. It grows best in well-drained, fertile soil. Its shallow root system allows for strong sprouting, making it suitable for pruning, topping, and training.
Reproduction:
Propagation can be done through cuttings, layering, or ramets during spring. All methods are highly successful and easy to implement.
Cultivation and Care:
Planting should be done in early spring or late autumn in loose, well-drained, and fertile soil. Avoid low-lying areas where water can accumulate after rain, which may cause root rot. Apply organic fertilizer as a base when planting, and water regularly after the plant has established itself. Applying 1–2 rounds of organic fertilizer before and after flowering will enhance flower color and vibrancy.
During spring and summer, prune several times to encourage branching, which will lead to more blooms the following year. After winter defoliation and post-flowering in spring, perform appropriate pruning by removing dead, crowded, or weak branches. Cut back long branches to promote bushier growth and rejuvenate old branches. During the rainy season, tie up long branches to prevent them from rooting and maintain the desired shape of the plant.
Garden Use:
This early-blooming shrub features golden branches and weeping shoots, making it a standout in early spring. It is commonly planted at forest edges, on lawns, hillsides, near pools, rockeries, roadsides, and building foundations. It creates a unique and striking landscape when planted in groups. Potted specimens are also popular for indoor display. Due to its sensitivity to temperature, it can be cultivated for special events and festivals.
Ornamental Value:
In early spring, when the first leaves appear, this plant adds a vibrant touch to the landscape. It is often referred to as one of the "Four Friends in the Snow" along with plum blossoms, daffodils, and camellias. Its twisted bonsai branches and aged trunks offer a sense of ancient beauty. As a native Chinese ornamental plant, it is valued for its early spring showiness.
Related Ornamental Species:
Jasminum floridum (Discovering Spring): A semi-evergreen shrub with alternate leaves, either simple or compound, typically with 3–5 leaflets. It produces cymes at the top and blooms from May to June with bright yellow flowers, slightly fragrant.
Jasminum mesnyi (Yunnan Jasmine): Also known as "Spring Festival" in Yunnan, this evergreen shrub features large, showy flowers. Its corolla lobes are longer than the tube, often resembling a double bloom. It grows more vigorously than other varieties and flowers later, typically starting in March and reaching full bloom in April.
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