Distylium spp.

Isu tree

Hamamelidaceae Eastern and southeastern Asia

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

HardinessZones 7–9

Overview

Distylium spp. is a genus of about 18 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees in the witch hazel family, native to eastern and southeastern Asia, from Japan and China to the Himalayas. Garden plants form low, wide-spreading mounds to upright shrubs 2-12 feet (0.6-3.6 m) tall depending on the selection, with leathery, glossy, dark green leaves on horizontal or arching branches. New growth often emerges bronze or red before turning green. In late winter and early spring, small clusters of petal-less flowers open along the stems, the maroon-red stamens giving a quiet color at close range. The genus grows in full sun to part shade on moist but well-drained, acidic to neutral soil and tolerates heat, humidity, drought once established, and a wide soil range. Plants resist most pests and diseases that trouble boxwood and cherry laurel, and selections are planted as evergreen hedging and groundcover in their place. Hardiness runs roughly to USDA zone 6 or 7, with cold below that damaging foliage. Compact cultivars such as 'Vintage Jade' spread wider than tall, while others grow upright. Plants are slow to moderate in growth.

Native Range

Native to eastern and southeastern Asia, including Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, and the eastern Himalayas, in warm-temperate and subtropical forest.

Suggested Uses

Planted as evergreen hedging, foundation shrubs, mass groundcover, and low borders, often in place of boxwood or cherry laurel. Low, spreading cultivars are used to cover banks and large beds. Plants are not reliable below about USDA zone 6.

How to Identify

Recognized by evergreen shrubs with leathery, glossy, dark green leaves on layered, often horizontal branches, with bronze to red new growth. Tiny flowers without petals open along the stems in late winter, showing small maroon-red stamens. Many garden forms are low and wider than tall.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 12'

Width/Spread3' - 10'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Winter Spring

Small, petal-less flowers open in late winter and early spring, roughly February to April. The maroon-red stamens give a quiet color visible only at close range. Bloom is brief and followed by small woody capsules.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

glossy dark green, bronze when young

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plants grow in full sun to part shade on moist but well-drained, acidic to neutral soil, and tolerate clay, heat, and humidity. They establish from container plants set out in spring or autumn and, once rooted, tolerate drought and a wide pH range. A mulch conserves moisture while the root system develops. Pests and diseases are few, so routine spraying is not needed. Cold below about USDA zone 6 to 7 burns the evergreen foliage, limiting use in colder regions. Established plants need little beyond occasional shaping.

Pruning

Plants need little pruning and hold a naturally tidy shape. Light trimming in spring after the worst frost shapes hedges or removes stray shoots. Older plants tolerate harder cutting back to renew size and density.