Chinese neillia (Neillia sinensis)

Chinese neillia

Chinese neillia (*Neillia sinensis*) is a large, flowering, arching shrub that's rarely cultivated and barely known outside its native region. It belongs to a genus comprised of 17 shrubs and subshrubs native to central and west China, named after Patrick Neill, a Scottish printer, horticulturalist, and naturalist.

Scientific classification

Species

Chinese neillia (Neillia sinensis)

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Spring, Summer

Bloom Time

Late summer, Early fall

Harvest Time

1.5 m to 1.8 m

Plant Height

White, Pink

Flower Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Chinese neillia

Distribution of Chinese neillia

Distribution Map

Chinese neillia, primarily indigenous to East Asia, thrives in its native range. The species has also been introduced and cultivated in various temperate regions across the globe. Its adaptability has allowed it to establish itself beyond its original habitat, yet this expansion has been carefully managed within cultivated settings.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Valley slopes and mixed forests

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Quickly Identify Chinese neillia

Delicate whitish-pink tubular flowers in dense clusters, 0.4 to 0.8 inches (1 to 2 cm) long.

Leaves transition from purplish-bronze to dark green to yellow, ovate to lanceolate, serrated margin, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long.

Seasonal blooms on previous year's growth, emerging before summer heat, in full sun to partial shade.

Bark peels, revealing textured surface; requires consistent moisture, benefits from post-flowering pruning and thinning.

Promotes colonial expansion through suckers if not managed; can be controlled with proper pruning.

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Care Guide for Chinese neillia

Every 3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Chinese neillia flourishes in moderate moisture environments, favoring evenly moist soil but avoiding waterlogging. It should be watered every three weeks, particularly thriving in temperate zones where seasonal rains enhance soil moisture during growth, preventing drought stress.

Fertilize: Chinese neillia thrives with balanced nutrition, using a 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer. Apply roughly 1 tablespoon per square foot, avoiding over-fertilization. Reduce feeding in fall for dormancy preparation, and always water thoroughly after fertilization to aid nutrient distribution.

Pruning: Pruning chinese neillia in late spring after flowering enhances its ornamental appeal and promotes vigorous growth. Remove dead or damaged stems, thin older growth, and cut back one-third of older stems to ground level for improved health and flowering efficiency.

Propagation: Chinese neillia is propagated via healthy semi-hardwood stem cuttings with leaf nodes. Use rooting hormone, plant in well-draining mix, and maintain consistent moisture and light. Rooting takes weeks; once established, transplant to a suitable permanent location.

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