An easily grown plant, it thrives in any good garden soil. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a semi-shaded woodland position in a damp slightly acid to neutral humus rich soil. Requires a position sheltered from cold or strong winds. The plant is slightly tender in Britain though it does well in Cornwall. It under performs in areas where temperatures regularly fall below -10°c. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. The flowers have a delicate sweet fragrance. At least one named variety has been developed for its ornamental value. 'Maharajah' appears to be hardier than the type species. Closely allied to M. acanthifolia (which is quoted as a synonym of this species in some books). The differences stated between the two species do not hold true in the wild but in cultivation M. acanthifolia has leaflets with a dull surface, flowers in the autumn and is hardier than many of the spring flowering introductions of M. nepaulensis. Resistant to honey fungus.

Fruit - raw or cooked. An acid flavor, but it is rather nice raw especially when added to muesli or porridge. Unfortunately, there is relatively little flesh and a lot of seeds. The fruit can also be dried and used as raisins. The ovoid fruit is about 12mm long.

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. It usually germinates in the spring. 'Green' seed (harvested when the embryo has fully developed but before the seed case has dried) should be sown as soon as it is harvested and germinates within 6 weeks. Stored seed should be sown as soon as possible in late winter or spring. 3 weeks cold stratification will improve its germination, which should take place in 3 - 6 months at 10°c. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. Cuttings of half ripe wood 15cm long, July in individual pots in a frame. Division of suckers in spring. Whilst they can be placed direct into their permanent positions, better results are achieved if they are potted up and placed in a frame until established. Leaf cuttings in the autumn.

Dense wet oak and rhododendron forests to 2900 metres.