Species jet bead

jet bead

Rhodotypos scandens

Jet bead (Rhodotypos scandens) is a versatile U.S. native shrub that grows best in partial sunlight. Its bright white flowers are bell-shaped leading to fruits that resemble tiny beads with a waxy dark red-to-black coating that attract birds and bees. It can reach a height of up to 6 feet, with a spread of 8 feet. Jet bead flourishes in rich, medium to poorly drained soil and is intolerant of drought conditions. This upright, graceful shrub with its three-lobed, light green foliage is beneficial for providing wildlife cover and food, and is right at home in naturalized habitats, rain gardens, or pollinator gardens.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division,Grafting Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

White Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Filtered shade, Full sun, Part sun/part shade

Soil:

Well-drained

Fruits:

blue,red,purple,black Fruits In Summer Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Jet bead plants should receive about 1 inch of water per week. To ensure that they are properly hydrated, water them at least every other day, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During hot periods or if the plant is actively growing, it may need more frequent watering. Do not allow the plant to sit in continuously wet soil. It is best to water lower areas of the plant first, as the top areas will receive more water due to normal evaporation. When watering Jet bead plants, use room temperature water.

sunlight

Jet Bead (Rhodotypos scandens) is an evergreen, flowering shrub native to parts of East Asia, including Japan, China, and Korea. This species of plant requires full sunlight throughout the year, in order to flower and produce its vibrant, blue berries. Jet Bead prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, and it’s best if it gets more than this. The ideal location for a Jet Bead plant is 1 that gets ample sunlight in the morning, with some protection from intense afternoon sun. In the summer months, the plant should receive sunlight from an early sunrise until late evening. The intensity of the sun, however, should be slightly lower during the hot summer afternoons. Jet Bead plants are typically hardy and can withstand dry, warm conditions.

pruning

Jet bead (Rhodotypos scandens) responds very well to pruning. To keep the plant looking attractive and promote bushier growth, it's best to prune jet bead in late spring or early summer. Start by cutting out dead, damaged, or crossing branches to thin out the interior of the plant and create more clearance between its foliage layers. Carefully cut away any stems or shoots that are too long, misshapen, or out of place. To encourage growth and a fuller look, lightly prune out some of the older stems at their base. It's important to not overdo the pruning, especially if the plant is already well-established. Jet bead can be pruned in wide or narrow angles, depending on what kind of look you're hoping to achieve. Aim to remove no more than 1-third of the stem length in a single pruning session.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Rhodotypos scandens typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Rhodotypos scandens typically begins in late June and continues through August.

Hardiness Map