Yellow bells are ringing

by Bill Kinsland

Correspondent

This shrub is an ornamental hybrid which is a cross of two other species from China. The hybrid was created in Gottingen Botanical Garden in Germany in 1878 and imported into the United States about 1889. It is a member of the Olive Family (Oleaceae). It normally blooms in March, but can bloom as early as January. This particular bush bloomed fully in January. It can grow up to 12 feet high and it spreads so quickly that it has escaped cultivation and has naturalized itself in local forests and fields. The little flowers are yellow, ranging from pale yellow to brilliant gold and are 1 inch to 1.5 inches long. They may occur individually or more commonly in parallel rows of two to six or more flowers. They are shaped like tiny bells., hence the name “Yellow Bell.” The leaflets usually do not appear until the flowers have opened. The mature leaves are dark green, oval or elliptical shaped and are about 4 inches long. They are arranged oppositely along the stems. In Autumn as the leaves begin to dry, they turn yellow and some become dark purple.  This species is hardy and adapts well to a wide range of soil conditions. It grows best in open sunny areas.