Early stachyurus (kibushi) Stachyurus praecox
Early stachyurus (kibushi) (Stachyurus praecox) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Stachyuraceae family, native to Japan. It grows 1.5–4 m (4.9–13 ft) tall and 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -18 °C (0 °F). Space plants about 2 m (6.6 ft) apart.
Plan Early stachyurus (kibushi) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Early stachyurus (kibushi) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Stachyuraceae |
| Mature height | 1.5–4 m (4.9–13 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 2 m (6.6 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -18 °C (0 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Japan |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
Is Early stachyurus (kibushi) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported; the fruit was formerly used in Japan as a black dye.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Early stachyurus (kibushi)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Early stachyurus (kibushi)
- How far apart should I plant Early stachyurus (kibushi)?
- About 2 m (6.6 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft).
- Does Early stachyurus (kibushi) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Early stachyurus (kibushi) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Early stachyurus (kibushi)?
- It tolerates about -18 °C (0 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Early stachyurus (kibushi) flower?
- From about March for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Early stachyurus (kibushi) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported; the fruit was formerly used in Japan as a black dye.
- What grows well with Early stachyurus (kibushi)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Early stachyurus (kibushi). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Stiff, dangling chains of pale yellow bells hang from bare, reddish twigs in late winter, formed the autumn before.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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