Enkianthus campanulatus

Enkianthus campanulatus, also known as Redvein Enkianthus or Red Bells, is a deciduous, upright shrub with stunning autumn foliage and pendulous clusters of bell-shaped flowers. Native to Japan woodlands, this spectacular plant is acclaimed for its hardiness and easy maintenance. 

From late spring to mid-summer, Redvein Enkianthus is covered with creamy white to pink flowers permeated with reddish veins. The bell-shaped blossoms are accentuated by elliptic, serrate, bright green leaves, crowded towards the branch tips. In the autumn, the foliage of this deciduous shrub turns to vivid shades of copper and crimson, allowing Redvein Enkianthus to look impressive well after the blossoms fade.

Enkianthus campanulatus thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in humus, in partial shade to full sun. Although tolerant of prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, when planted in a sheltered spot, its foliage will last longer in the fall. Generally pest and disease free, this eye-catching shrub is fully hardy in Britain and Ireland. Redvein Enkianthus is also a recipient of the Award of Garden Merit of Royal Horticultural Society. 

The erect, bushy habit of Redvein Enkianthus requires almost no maintenance. Pruning should be avoided, in order to keep the natural form of foliage intact, but dead or broken twigs should be removed immediately after flowering.

Virtually indestructible and easy to care for, in its full maturity, Enkianthus campanulatus can grow to be 2.5 to 4 metres high and across. In optimal conditions, this slow-growing plant is expected to live for approximately 20 to 50 years.

Equally spectacular during the flowering season and in the autumn, this tree-like shrub is ideal as a focal plant. Highly decorative, Redvein Enkianthus can be the finishing touch your front yard needs, or a vibrant backdrop for the late-blooming plants in your garden. The majority of shrubs that are suitable to grow in acidic soil are evergreen, so the vivid autumn foliage of this deciduous shrub brings a splash of colour in the fall. Since it’s not invasive, it also works great as part of a shrub border or a hedge - just make sure you’ll leave it with enough room to fully mature.

Most gardeners decide on planting Redvein Enkianthus along with Rhododendrons and Azaleas but also Camellias, considering that they have similar soil requirements.