Propagation
Stratify seeds for 2 to 3 months during winter and sow seeds in pots, then place in a cold frame to germinate.

Layering or grafting onto root stock is the main method of propagation.
Cuttings are difficult to strike.


General pruning information
Little pruning is normally required apart from crown lifting or thinning. All branches should be cut back to the collar and avoid pruning deciduous species during spring as this encourages bleeding.

Botanic information
Leaf: The dark green leaves are up to 40mm (1˝in)wide and are obovate to oblanceolate with an obtuse apex and a petiole that is up to 6mm (Ľin) long. During autumn the leavesturn brown before falling. The small buds are pubescent.

Flower: The stellate flowers have 12 to 18 oblanceolate undulating petals that are up to 50mm (2in) long. They appear on bare stems during early spring.
The large flower buds are up to 20mm (˝in) long and covered in fine fur-like pubescence.

Fruit: The follicle is composed aggregated carpels and has a cone-like appearance but is not normally seenand the plant is commonly reproduced vegetatively.