Introduced in the early 1800s and a native of China and Japan, this small evergreen tree prefers an acid soil.

It is better planted in the south facing gardens of southern England where it thrives to make a small tree about 5 metres in height.

Glossy evergreen leaves are beautifully contrasted with luscious pink fragrant flowers in both autumn and spring.

Generally the hotter the preceding summer the better the performance.

It is also best to position the plant in a sheltered spot protecting it against cold winter winds.

Mature height: 3-7m

Mature spread: 1.5-3m