Stachyurus praecox

Quite a mouthful of a name for this plant, and don't know of any common name.
Years ago we had one in the garden at the farm and it always drew comments as the racemes of beautiful little flowers appeared very early in the spring before the leaves.
It has quite a Japanese look and it is a native of the Himalayas.

Went for a wander this afternoon after the rain stopped, meandering through holiday home gardens and always feel sad that the owners aren't here to see some of the spring beauty.

..and thanks everyone so much for checking out my tui yesterday, which put it into the Spotlight. I was so thrilled to share it, especially as it probably is one of the better shots of a tui I have ever got.