In The Garden Now…..Enkianthus

‘Red Bells’ Enkianthus

 Text and photos by Victoria Gilleland

I can't help but think my Enkianthus is showing off this year! 

It's produced way more flowers than usual. 

There are hundreds and hundreds of these creamy bell shaped flowers with intense red veins. So beautiful!

This gorgeous spring blooming shrub is native to Japan. 

It likes our acidic soils and essentially the same growing conditions as rhododendrons and azaleas. 

A slow grower, it can be trained into an upright small tree.

The red striped flowers are spectacular in spring while fall color is impressive even in a fair amount of shade. Autumn leaves turn an intense red, deep orange and/or a rich yellow depending on temperatures and sun exposure.

Enkianthus foliage

If you’re looking for a good container plant Enkianthus could be the one. Mine flourished in a midsize pot for several years while I developed the area in which it would eventually take up residence.

Enkianthus is one of those old fashioned garden plants I wouldn’t be without. You might enjoy one in your garden!

(Botanical Name: Enkianthus campanulatus ‘Red Bells’)

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. 

She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 25 years. (vjgilleland@yahoo.com)