Enkianthus campanulatus, enkianthus
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Deciduous Shrubs

Enkianthus campanulatus

enkianthus

Ericaceae

Japan (Honshu to Kyushu) and parts of China, in mountain woodland

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-15 feet (2.4-4.5 m)
Width6-10 feet (1.8-3 m)
Maturity12 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 8
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Maintenancelow

Overview

Enkianthus campanulatus (redvein enkianthus, bell-flower enkianthus) is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, reaching 8–15 feet (2.4–4.5 m) tall and 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m) wide in a distinctively tiered, layered form with whorled branches growing in horizontal planes like a natural bonsai. It is a three-season plant of exceptional quality and a member of the Ericaceae (heath family), requiring acid soil shared with rhododendrons, blueberries, and pieris. In May through June, clusters of 5–15 small urn-shaped to bell-shaped flowers 0.4 inch (10 mm) long dangle in pendant clusters below the branch tips — creamy yellow to pale salmon-pink with a delicate tracery of deeper red veins and a reddish rim — among the most refined and quietly beautiful spring flowers of any hardy shrub. Leaves emerge in whorls of 4–7 at the branch tips, giving the plant its characteristic layered appearance; leaves are elliptic, 1.5–3 inches (4–8 cm) long, finely serrated, and fresh bright green through summer. Fall color is consistently outstanding: the leaves turn brilliant scarlet, orange, and yellow — often multiple colors simultaneously on the same plant — making this one of the finest shrubs for fall color in the Pacific Northwest, equal to the best Japanese maples in intensity. Great Plant Picks endorsed.

Native Range

Native to Japan, from Honshu south to Kyushu, growing in mountainous woodland, forest margins, and scrub at moderate to high elevations. Also found in parts of China.

Suggested Uses

One of the finest four-season shrubs for PNW woodland and acid-soil gardens — Great Plant Picks endorsed. The tiered architectural branching provides year-round structure; the pendant cream-and-red-veined spring bells are elegant; the summer foliage is clean and textural; and the fall color rivals the best Japanese maples in brilliance. Excellent in woodland gardens alongside rhododendrons, Japanese maples, and pieris where it fills the mid-story shrub layer. Equally effective as a stand-alone specimen where the architectural tiered form can be fully appreciated. Associates naturally with ferns, hellebores, and shade-tolerant groundcovers. The fall color is best with some direct sun — full shade reduces intensity.

How to Identify

Identified by the strongly tiered, layered, horizontal branching pattern with leaves arranged in whorls of 4–7 at branch tips — the most architecturally distinctive branching habit of any common deciduous shrub. In May through June, pendant clusters of small cream to pale pink urn-shaped flowers with red veining dangle below the branch tips. Elliptic finely serrated leaves 1.5–3 inches (4–8 cm). Fall color is brilliant scarlet, orange, and yellow — among the most vivid of any deciduous shrub. The combination of tiered branching + pendant red-veined bells + spectacular fall color is unmistakable.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8' - 15'
Width/Spread6' - 10'

Reaches mature size in approximately 12 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow
pink
white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

red
orange
yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
Blooms May through June with pendant clusters of 5–15 small urn-shaped to bell-shaped flowers 0.4 inch (10 mm) long — creamy yellow to pale salmon-pink with delicate red veining and a reddish-tipped rim. The clusters hang below the branch tips, revealed as the fresh spring foliage emerges simultaneously. The display lasts 3–4 weeks. Fall color in October through November is brilliant scarlet, orange, and gold — one of the finest fall color displays of any deciduous shrub in the PNW.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

creamy yellow to pale salmon-pink with red veining and reddish rim (pendant clusters)

Foliage Description

bright green in summer; brilliant scarlet, orange, and yellow in fall

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade
Full Sun
Requires 3-6 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 Range4.5 - 6.0(Acidic)
357912
Soil Types
loampeatsand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10-15 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in moist, well-drained, acid soil (pH 4.5–6.0) — the same conditions as rhododendrons and azaleas. Enkianthus is a member of Ericaceae and requires acid conditions; alkaline or poorly drained soil causes chlorosis and decline. Dappled shade to part sun is ideal — the PNW's naturally acid woodland soil and filtered light conditions are well suited. Consistent moisture through summer is important; do not allow prolonged drought, especially when young. Mulch generously to maintain soil moisture, acidity, and cool root temperatures. No significant pest or disease problems. Slow-growing, patient investment — the tiered architectural form improves with age. Fertilize lightly with acid fertilizer (ericaceous blend) in early spring if needed.

Pruning

Minimal pruning required and generally inadvisable — the tiered branching structure is the primary architectural feature and should not be disrupted. Remove dead or damaged branches by cutting back to a live lateral. Light shaping after flowering (June through July) is acceptable if needed to remove wayward stems. Do not shear or clip; this destroys the whorled, tiered form that gives the plant its distinctive character. Every few years, remove the oldest basal stems to encourage fresh growth.

Pruning Schedule

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summer

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic