A very tolerant and easily grown plant, it succeeds in any soil that is not impoverished or water-logged. Dislikes strongly alkaline soils. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in full sun and also in deep shade. Very tolerant of atmospheric pollution. Plants are hardy to about -15°c. A moderately fast-growing plant. It is very tolerant of trimming and will regrow even from very old stems if it is cut back hard. A very ornamental plant, there are some named varieties. The variegated cultivars are best grown in full sun. This plant is a symbol of chastity in China. Closely related to L. japonicum. This species is notably susceptible to honey fungus.

Young shoots - cooked. A famine food, used when all else fails. The shoots contain a glycoside and are probably toxic.

The seed does not require any pre-treatment and can be sown in the spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Very easy. Cuttings of mature wood, 20 - 30cm in a sheltered outdoor bed in November/December. High percentage.

Roadsides and in river valleys. Woods below 2900 metres.