Enkianthus campanulatus

The hardiest of Enkianthus species is E. campanulatus (furin-tsutsuji or redvein enkianthus), a medium-sized, narrow, upright, deciduous shrub. Its bright green glossy foliage gives brilliant coppery to red fall colors. In spring it offers a profusion of bell-shaped (campanula, "little bell"), creamy white flowers with red veins, similar to those of the distantly related Pieris.

The plant was brought to England by Charles Maries, who was plant-hunting in Japan at the time for Veitch Nurseries. The shrub can exceed expectations of height under the right circumstances, as at William Robinson's Gravetye Manor, where a pair planted about the turn of the 20th century reached 15 ft.

Characteristics
Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Spacing: 4' to 5' apart

Average height x width: 10' tall x 5' wide

Fertilizing: Fertilize in spring just before new growth begins

Cold hardiness: -20 °F

Water use: Keep soil evenly moist. Prefers acid, well-drained soil.

Widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in parks and gardens, this plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.