Black Jetbead - Workhorse Shrub in Difficult Landscapes

The Black Jetbead (Rhodotypos scandens) is a workhorse shrub that fills in nicely when there are difficult landscape areas like steep banks, shade and bad soil. Once it is established in a location, the Jetbead will accommodate full sun to full shade, a range of soil pHs, drought, pruning, urban pollution, and nutrient deficiencies. Jetbead does best planted in full sun in a moist, well-drained soil.

This Japanese native is a member of the rose family and is hardy in Zones 4 to 8. It is sometimes known as Makino. It was introduced to the United States in the late 1800s.

This is a typically rounded shrub that will reach 5 feet high and 7 feet across. The shrub leafs out early in the spring in a bright green that turns to chartreuse in the fall. The leaf texture is reminiscent of raspberry leaves. There are rather inconspicuous 2 inch flowers that appear in late-May to early-June. Fruit in the form of small black berries matures in October and persists throughout the winter. The berries are toxic.

Jetbead is a good choice for the difficult spot, but also for the shrub border, as a foundation plant, as a hedge, and as a backdrop for flowering plants. Jetbead does well when pruned and can be easily shaped into globe forms. Left to grow on its own, the shrub will keep its dense branching, but the branches will drape and the overall appearance can be messy. This plant is a combination of easy to grow and difficult to eradicate.

Jetbead is a fast growing shrub that produces suckers. The suckers should be pruned if the shrub is in a formal setting. Words like tough and durable describe the Jetbead.

Jetbead is propagated primarily by stem cuttings and seeds. There are almost no diseases or pests that attack Jetbead shrubs. It is considered an invasive weed species in some areas (Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Massachusetts, Virginia). Jetbead can be found growing in the wild in Jetbead can be found growing in the wild in Alabama, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.