with probably 50 or more stems coming up out of the ground. ===>> those are suckers... and every piece with a root can be cut from under.. and made into a new bush ... if he wants to match this one.. that is the only way to do it ... just grab one of the outliers ... tug it a bit.. and if you see some roots.. cut just a bit deeper than that ... and go plant it somewhere else.. [i actually grow them in pots until planting in fall. to grow some roots] i got my whole collection by knocking on doors and asking for cuttings .. see you in the shrub forum if you want more info .. ken

Thanks all for your responses. It's just in our back garden in Surrey. It is south facing and the weather is scorching at the moment so that may explain the bloom. We've just moved in to this house and inherited this lovely garden so I don't know how this plant usually fares. I will do my best to look after it! Thanks all.

I would not think of growing it in ground in our location which is Zone 5. I am not saying that it is impossible but the efforts required to insulate it from extreme cold is prohibitive. Some experts in NJ try different ways of covering the plants from cold and others just take a chance in Zone 6. Some day I may try in the ground but just to see if the roots will survive (and shoot later from groun) because I am sure the wood above the ground will not survive in Zone 5 winter here. Also, if you are keeping plants in pots and take them to safety in the winter then there is no concern for the plant hardiness and your main concern is early/late ripening i.e. before the frost.

R. hugonis is a single. It looks more like Harison's Yellow. Hugonis blooms very early, so unless you are very far north, it is too late for that one. Harison's Yellow should start next week here. Almost everything with those small leaves is difficult to root. Suckers are easier.