Chinese quinine is a remarkable evergreen shrub from the Himalayas and China that brings tropical elegance to temperate gardens in zones 8-10. Growing 3 to 7 feet tall and spreading 3 to 5 feet wide, this compact hydrangea relative produces showy bi-color flowers in June and July, with white buds that open into reflexed five-petaled blooms in terminal clusters. The glossy dark green foliage remains attractive year-round, and the plant follows with equally showy fruit that attracts birds into late season. Its ability to thrive in partial shade and moist, acidic soils makes it a sophisticated choice for gardeners seeking something beyond the typical ornamental shrub.
Partial Shade
Moderate
8-10
84in H x 60in W
—
High
Hover over chart points for details
This Himalayan native grows as a tidy, rounded evergreen shrub with foliage that stays lustrous throughout the year. The flowers are architectural and unusual, with white buds unfurling into delicate bi-color petals that echo the form of hydrangeas, appearing in June and July. What truly extends the show is the showy fruit that follows, drawing birds into the garden well beyond the blooming season. Soil chemistry directly influences flower color, shifting from deep blue in acidic soils to lilac or pale blue in alkaline conditions, giving you a subtle tool to fine-tune the display.
Chinese quinine serves primarily as an ornamental shrub, valued for its role in hedging and as a specimen plant that sustains visual interest through multiple seasons. The showy flowers attract gardeners in early summer, while the persistent, colorful fruit draws birds and extends the display into fall and winter. Its evergreen habit and moderate size make it well-suited to anchoring mixed borders or creating living screens in partial shade settings.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Propagate from seed indoors or by cuttings. No specific indoor seed-starting temperature or timing data is provided in the catalog sources.
Transplant into moist, acidic, organically rich soil in a location receiving partial shade. Winter hardiness extends to USDA zones 8-10; transplant after the final frost date in your region.
Prune to maintain the plant's natural compact, rounded form. Remove any dead or damaged wood as needed. Light shaping after flowering encourages branching and promotes denser foliage for the next season.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“Dichroa febrifuga travels from the cloud forests and mountainous regions of Nepal eastward through the Himalayas into China, where it has been valued for centuries in traditional medicine under the name 'Chinese quinine.' The plant's journey into Western gardens is less dramatic than many ornamentals, but its proven hardiness in zones 8-10 and reliable performance in cultivation have earned it steady recognition among gardeners seeking tropical refinement in temperate climates.”