Renowned for its autumn colour, this spreading, deciduous shrub actually has two seasons of interest. In early summer it produces clusters of delicate, bell-shaped, cream to pink flowers with darker pink margins. In autumn, the oval, mid green leaves turn flaming shades of orange and red. This pretty shrub is perfect for a shady, woodland edge and gives its most brilliant autumn display on acid soil.
How to care for Enkianthus campanulatus:
Apply a thick 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of ericaceous compost or well-rotted leafmould around the base of the plant in spring. Little pruning is needed. Simply remove dead and diseased wood and branches that are crossing after the plant has flowered.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
4.5m
Eventual spread:
4.5m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Soil:
Humus-rich, moist, well-drained acid soil or ericaceous compost
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This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.