Flowers of redvein enkianthus (Photos: Kevin Wilcox)
Editor's note: A CHS audience admired this plant at the February program meeting, when Kevin Wilcox described and showed photos of it. The following description comes from Sharon Harris, co-owner of Acer Gardens in Deep River.
Redvein enkianthus (Enkianthus campanulatus) is an excellent shrub for the landscape, showcasing form, texture, flowers in May and fall color. An upright shrub, it reaches heights of 12 feet to15 feet and becomes more rounded with age. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 7, its foliage is finely textured and whorled and creates a layered effect. This large bush could be grown as a specimen near a patio or deck and underplanted with groundcovers or perennials. It also works well in shrub borders and could be combined with azalea, rhododendron, clethra and fothergilla.
Enkianthus grows best in full sun but will tolerate light shade. It prefers a moist, well-drained, acidic soil, rich in organic matter. It is resistant to insects, disease and deer.
Bell-shaped flowers (yellow to light orange with red veins) hang in pendulous clusters and bloom in May. The flowers appear as the leaves emerge, so the blooms are easy to see. Several cultivars are available with red, pink or white flowers.
The shrub retains its seed pods and is a good source of food for northern juncos in winter. Fall color is spectacular, with the leaves turning brilliant reds and oranges. It is definitely our favorite shrub for fall color.
Plant enkianthus where it can be enjoyed and admired throughout all seasons. Plant it near a patio and you will see birds surrounding it through winter and early spring. Hanging hummingbird feeders near it in summer will add to the continuous pleasure this shrub gives.
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