Enkianthus

( en - kee - ANTH - us )

At-A-Glance Information

This deciduous group of shrubs originates in Japan. They enjoy full sun only in cooler climates; partial shade otherwise, and regular to ample water. Branches are nearly horizontal, off of vertical shoots. Leaves are clustered near branch ends and turn orange or red in fall. Bell-shaped flowers pop up in spring. 

Enkianthus Species and Varietals

The genus Enkianthus includes shrubs and small trees, and is in the Heath family (Ericaceae). It includes between 12 and 15 species. Enkianthus grows best in zones 3-9 and 14-23, though this can vary depending on the species grown. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

​Enkianthus campanulatus (Red Vein Enkianthus)
Grows best in zones 2-9 and 14-21. Grows slowly to 10-20 feet tall and half as wide. Bluish-green leaves turn red in fall. In late spring, yellow-green, red-veined bells hang below leaves. Varieties include 'Red Bells' (red flowers and deep red fall color), 'Showy Lantern' which has red blooms and orange-red fall color), Enkianthus campanulatus albiflorus (white blooms), Enkianthus campanulatus sikokianus (deep red flowers with pink and yellow streaks, and fall red/orange leaves).

Enkianthus perulatus (White Enkianthus)
Gets to be 6-8 feet tall and wide. Leaves have a great scarlet fall color. Small white flowers appear early in spring before leaves pop.

Caring for and pruning enkianthus shrubs

These shrubs prefer to be planted in acidic soil (pH of 6.0 is best) in full sun to partial shade exposure. Provide with weekly waterings for best performance, especially if you are growing this shrub in full sun. A fertilizer for acid-loving plants works best; feed once a year. These shrubs do not need much pruning, simply remove dead or dying branches if necessary right after the plant is done flowering.

Propagation

Enkianthus can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your shrub follow the instructions below:

Propagating Enkianthus by Cutting
  1. Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
  2. In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
  3. Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about 6-8 weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
  4. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Propagating Enkianthus by Seed
  1. Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows.
  2. Harvest your seeds. 
  3. In late winter, water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7-14 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
  4. Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.
Enkianthus seeds are contained in the seedpods that are left over once the flowers have faded.
Enkianthus seeds are quite small; take care when handling them so you don't lose any!

Problems and Pests

Enkianthus is rarely bothered by pests or disease.
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Gallery

These shrubs grow well in partial shade to full sun.
Enkianthus foliage will turn reddish orange in the fall.
The natural habit of Enkianthus shrubs is graceful and drooping.

Videos

How to grow Enkianthus shrubs in your garden.
All about Enkianthus.

Resources

How to Grow Red Vein Enkianthus
Wikipedia: Enkianthus
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 301, Enkianthus
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