Yes, there is more than one kind but that may have nothing to do with what you are seeing.

Not the hardiest shrub, give it a protected nook if possible.

Mine has chugged along fine for years and this year with our protracted winter dry period combined with a week of sub-freezing temps, this spring it had 1/2 of its flowers dead and did not leaf out. Until about two weeks ago. Go figure. I was sure it was dead and the only reason it was still in the garden is that I was too lazy to pull it out. So I'd be patient and see what transpires.

Sara

As with Sara, mine faired terribly, this Winter, but looks beautiful now. I think the one that normally has smaller leaves may be E. papyfera. Considered an extremely finicky, difficult plant. E. Chrysantha has been grand, for years, but will die of drought if neglected.

Thanks. It is in a rather protected place (or they are). the one came through this past winter fine except the #@$%^ deer ate the two blossoms that it tried to produce.

Hi.i saw this plant growing outside an abandoned nursery a couple of winters ago and was intrigued by the yellow flowers so I snapped off a lower branch and took it home, dipped the branch in rootone, and stuck it in the ground on the north side of my house.
That spring and summer were very wet and the branched leafed out nicely and now 2.5 years later it is a waist high shrub loaded with flower buds (last winter there were a few buds but they fell off before they opened).

SCMG, where do you live or what USDA Zone are you in?
The reason I ask is because of the hardiness issue.
Mike