About
A spreading, deciduous shrub or small tree to 4m, with toothed leaves to 6cm long. In late spring and early summer it bears pendent clusters of 5-15, large, bell-shaped cream flowers flushed and veined red. In autumn the foliage turns fiery orange and red.
About the genus
Enkianthus are deciduous shrubs with simple, alternate leaves often colouring brilliantly in autumn, and umbels of racemes of small urn- or bell-shaped flowers in spring or summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesMixed borders, hedging, foundation planting.
Care notes
CultivationGrow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained, acid to neutral soil in full sun or partial shade; an open site in a woodland garden is ideal
PruningSee pruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed at 18-21°C in late winter or early spring. Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer; layer in autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility