How to Grow Kolkwitzia Amabilis Pink Cloud - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2024

Kolkwitzia amabilis pink cloud is a species of flowering plant in the family Caprifoliaceae, native to central China. It is a deciduous shrub growing to 3 m (10 ft) tall and wide, with a rounded habit. The leaves are opposite, ovate to lanceolate, 38 cm (1.23.1 in) long and 24 cm (0.791.57 in) broad. The flowers are produced in summer in cymes of 410 blooms, each flower 58 cm (2.03.1 in) diameter, with a tubular base and five lobes. The flowers are pink or lilac, fading to white with age. The fruit is a dark blue drupe.

How to Grow Kolkwitzia Amabilis Pink Cloud - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

Beauty bush
Pink kolkwitzia
Pink Caprifoliaceae
Love-in-a-mist
Maid of honor

Common Knowledge

Kolkwitzia amabilis 'Pink Cloud' is a deciduous shrub with a rounded habit.
It typically matures to 6-8 (infrequently to 10) tall and as wide.
'Pink Cloud' is noted for its clusters of pink bell-shaped flowers which appear in late spring on current years growth.
The flowers are followed by inconspicuous nutlets.
ovate-lanceolate, medium to dark green leaves (to 4 long).
Foliage turns yellow in autumn.
The stem bark is grayish brown and smooth.
Kolkwitzia amabilis 'Pink Cloud' is a cultivar that is derived from a cross between K. amabilis and K. dreamland.
It was introduced into the trade by nurseryman Ernest J. Wilson in England in 190
Pink Cloud kolkwitzer is very similar to and often confused with beauty bush (Kolkwitzia amabilis).

How to Grow

For kolkwitzia amabilis pink cloud, first step is choose a spot in full sun to partial shade.
Kolkwitzia amabilis pink cloud prefers well-drained soil.
If planting in spring, prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 6-8 inches (15-20 cm).
Add a 2-inch (5 cm) layer of organic matter such as compost, peat moss or well-rotted manure.
Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots without bending or breaking them.
Set the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
Fill in around the root ball with soil, tamping it gently as you go.
Water the plant deeply and thoroughly.
Apply a 2-inch (5 cm) layer of mulch around the plant to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system.

Related plant:
Kolkwitzia Amabilis

The Soil

About soil condition, kolkwitzia amabilis pink cloud prefers well-drained soils with a lot of organic matter. They are not too fussy about soil type but prefer a neutral to slightly acidic soil. They are also tolerant of clay soils.

About light

Just like other plants, Kolkwitzia amabilis needs sunlight to grow. It can tolerate partial shade, but it will blooming its best in full sun. Pink Cloud will also tolerate poor soils as long as it has good drainage.

The Temperature

The temperature condition for Kolkwitzia amabilis 'Pink Cloud' is cool to warm. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Kolkwitzia amabilis 'Pink Cloud' is a deciduous shrub that is covered in pink flowers in the spring and summer. The leaves are green and the stems are reddish. This plant grows to be about 3 feet tall and wide. Kolkwitzia amabilis 'Pink Cloud' is a beautiful plant that is easy to care for.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is about 60%. The plant does not like to be too wet or too dry. If the air is too dry, the leaves will start to wilt and the flowers will start to fade. If the air is too wet, the leaves will start to yellow and rot.

Fertilizing

For the fertilizer, usually the plant does not need extra fertilizer. However, if the plant is not growing well, you can use a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10. Root the plant in early spring or late fall in a well-drained spot.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of keeping your kolkwitzia amabilis pink cloud healthy and looking its best. Dead or diseased branches should be removed as soon as possible. If the plant is growing too large, you can trim it back to the desired size. Be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.

Plant Propagation

Propagation for Kolkwitzia amabilis is typically done through softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from new growth. After taking the cuttings, remove the bottom leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix and keep them moist. Place the pot in indirect light and wait for the cuttings to root, which usually takes 4-6 weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, you can transplant them into their permanent home.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate about 60cm a year. Kolkwitzia amabilis pink cloud generally start flowering in May and will continue until June. Kolkwitzia amabilis pink cloud is a shrub that is native to China.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are aphids, gray mold, root rot, and powdery mildew. These problems are caused by different fungi and insects that attack the plant. To prevent these problems from happening, it is important to keep the plant healthy and free from stress.

Tips on Growing

If you are growing kolkwitzia amabilis pink cloud from seed, start the seeds indoors in a sterile seed starting mix about 8-10 weeks before the last frost date in your area.
Sow the seeds on the surface of the seed starting mix and water lightly.
Place the seed tray in a warm location with bright, indirect light.
Keep the seed starting mix moist but not wet.
Once the seedlings emerge, thin them so that only the strongest seedling is left in each cell or pot.
Fertilize the seedlings every other week with a half-strength fertilizer solution.
When the seedlings are 6-8 inches tall, transplant them into individual pots filled with a well-drained potting mix.
Place the pots in a sunny location and keep the potting mix evenly moist.
Once the plants are 12