In this genus are found a handful of deciduous trees and shrubs from woodland areas and rocky hillsides of the Mediterranean, Asia, and North America. Leaves are heart-shaped, often with nice fall color. Flowers are small but brightly colored, usually pink, and often bloom along the branches before plants leaf out. Grow as specimen plants, or in a woodland or shrub border.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsHeart-shaped leaves, flowers that hug the branches, flattened seed pods.
CareGrow in full sun or dappled shade in fertile, moist but well-drained, woodsy soil. Choose a site carefully, as plants don't like to be moved.
PropagationStart seeds in a cold frame in autumn, or root semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
ProblemsScale insects, weevils, caterpillars, whiteflies, leafhoppers, leaf spots, blights, downy mildew, canker, dieback, Verticillium wilt.
