Overview

Enkianthus campanulatus is a bushy deciduous shrub in the genus Enkianthus, part of the Ericaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Enkianthus campanulatus grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, low maintenance and flower borders and beds. It is native to Japan.

About

Enkianthus campanulatus is a medium-sized, narrow, upright deciduous shrub in the Ericaceae, noted for its red‑veined, bell‑shaped flowers that appear in May–June. The glossy leaves develop strong coppery to red tones in autumn. It favours acid, well‑drained soil and a position from full sun to part shade. A spring feed before new growth helps support flowering.

About the genus

Enkianthus is a genus of shrubs or small trees in the heath family, Ericaceae. Its native range is in Asia, as far west as the eastern Himalayas, as far south as Indochina, and as far north and east as China and Japan.

In the garden

Enkianthus campanulatus belongs to the heath family (Ericaceae) and was introduced to UK gardens from East Asia. It produces clusters of bell‑shaped flowers in late spring (May–June) and later rewards the border with pronounced autumn colour as the foliage turns coppery to red. The species has won the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit for its garden performance. Plant in an acid, well‑drained soil kept evenly moist; avoid waterlogged sites. It tolerates a sunny or lightly shaded aspect, so choose a spot with some shelter from the hottest midday sun in exposed sites. Space specimens about 1.2–1.5 metres apart to allow their upright habit room to develop. Apply a balanced feed in early spring just before growth resumes. Enkianthus campanulatus suits mixed shrub borders and smaller gardens where a vertical, flowering accent is required. It will reach a metre or more in width and several metres in height given time, so allow adequate headroom. The plants are very cold tolerant (to about −29°C), making them suitable across most of the UK. Expect the characteristic red‑veined bells in May–June, followed by the season’s most reliable red and copper autumn tones in the leaves.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Enkianthus

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Enkianthus campanulatus size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Deciduous shrub

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds

Native to

Japan

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Enkianthus campanulatus

Cultivation

Prefers acid, well-drained soil; position from full sun to part shade; spring feed before new growth supports flowering

Pruning

Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness

Propagation

Semi-hardwood cuttings

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to honey fungus

Frequently asked questions