About

Distylium racemosum, the isu tree, is an evergreen shrub or small tree from Japan and Korea with a dense, spreading habit and narrow, egg-shaped, leathery, polished, intense-green leaves 3�7 cm long. In late spring and early summer, elongated sprays 2.5�5 cm long of modest-sized flowers lacking petals but with conspicuous red calyces and purple stamens are produced. An ornamental and elegant evergreen for a sheltered, sunny or partly shaded garden.

About the genus

Distylium are evergreen trees and shrubs in the witch-hazel family (Hamamelidaceae), with leathery, usually dark-green leaves and clusters of petal-less flowers with conspicuous red or purple stamens in spring. Ornamental and long-lived evergreens for sheltered, sunny or partly shaded positions.

Growing conditions

SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toFar East

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained soil in part shade, with shelter from strong cold winds
PruningPruning group 1 but pruning is not usually necessary
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe or propagate from semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free