Redvein Enkianthus

enkianthus campanulatus

Also known as: ["Redvein Enkianthus","Enkianthus campanulatus"]

Family: Ericaceae Genus: Enkianthus Category: Shrubs

Overview

A deciduous shrub known for its drooping clusters of bell-shaped flowers and vibrant autumn foliage.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Enkianthus
Botanical Name: Enkianthus campanulatus

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Shrubs
  • Suitable Location: partially shaded garden bed or container in a sheltered spot
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days in dry indoor conditions
  • Drainage: Well-draining to fast-draining.
  • Soil Type: Acidic, well-draining, rich in organic matter (e.g., peat moss, compost, pine bark).
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually, immediately after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old or overgrown stems.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of morning sun, filtered afternoon light). Protect from harsh, direct afternoon sun, especially in summer.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light to avoid leaf scorch. Place in dappled shade or filtered light, especially in hot climates. Indoors, position near an east-facing window or use sheer curtains to diffuse strong light.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (often due to alkaline soil or overwatering), poor flowering (insufficient light or nutrients), root rot (waterlogged soil).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full sun with protection from harsh afternoon sun

Avoid hot afternoon sun; provide filtered light; rotate plant for even growth.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, avoid letting the soil dry out completely, and reduce watering in winter dormancy.

Soil

well-draining, acidic, peat-based potting mix

pH: Acidic (pH 4.5–6.0).

Use acidic soil mix; ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C). Tolerates mild frosts but avoid prolonged exposure below 20°F (-6°C).

Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain moderate temperatures for optimal growth.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)

Fertilize lightly in spring; avoid over-fertilizing; stop feeding in winter.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings with at least two nodes.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity with a propagator or plastic cover.

Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C), and indirect light.

Medium

Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage and moisture retention.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pots after 3–6 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, peat-based medium, plastic cover or propagator, misting bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; keep out of direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective thinning of older stems and light shaping of new growth.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or weak stems. Best done after flowering to preserve blooms.

Tools

Pruning shears, sterilizing solution (e.g., rubbing alcohol), gloves.

Checklist

Prune after flowering; sterilize tools; remove dead/damaged stems; shape lightly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

Move to a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider in diameter).

Method

Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; replace old soil with fresh, well-draining mix; ensure pot has drainage holes.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Enkianthus prefers slightly root-bound conditions, so repot only when necessary.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if needed; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water thoroughly; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture distribution to the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry before nightfall. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a fine nozzle to avoid disturbing the soil or damaging delicate stems.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days in spring/summer, reducing frequency to every 14–21 days in fall/winter. Adjust based on rainfall and humidity.

Soil Improvement

Add peat moss, pine bark, or compost to increase acidity and organic content; ensure good aeration with perlite or sand.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress; stunted growth in unsuitable temperatures.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures can slow growth, cause leaf discoloration, and increase susceptibility to root rot if soil remains wet.

Solution: Protect from frost with frost cloth or mulch; ensure good soil drainage; move potted plants to a sheltered location or indoors during extreme cold.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering. High temperatures combined with dry soil can cause stress.

Solution: Provide shade during peak sun hours; increase humidity with misting or a pebble tray; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; dilute liquid fertilizers; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring as new growth emerges. Dilute liquid fertilizer to half strength if used monthly during growing season. Avoid fertilizing in late fall or winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Enkianthus campanulatus may indicate nutrient deficiencies, particularly iron chlorosis in alkaline soils, overwatering, or root issues, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Enkianthus campanulatus can result from water stress, either due to insufficient watering causing dehydration or overwatering leading to root rot, disrupting water transport and causing leaf and stem drooping.

Leaf spots on Enkianthus campanulatus may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to aesthetic damage, reduced photosynthetic area, and in severe cases, defoliation and weakened plant vigor.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Enkianthus campanulatus is often caused by excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to decay of plant tissues, loss of structural integrity, and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Enkianthus campanulatus is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known adverse physiological effects associated with ingestion of this plant by felines.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, it is always advisable to prevent pets from ingesting non-food plants.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Enkianthus campanulatus is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse physiological effects associated with ingestion of this plant by canines.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, it is always advisable to prevent pets from ingesting non-food plants.
Humans
Non-toxic

Enkianthus campanulatus is not considered toxic to humans. There are no known adverse physiological effects associated with ingestion of this plant.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, it is always advisable to avoid ingesting any non-food plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Enkianthus campanulatus attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its flowers.

Q: Is this plant toxic to pets?

A: There is no reliable information on its toxicity to pets.

Q: What kind of soil does it prefer?

A: It thrives in acidic, well-drained, and humus-rich soil.

Quick Reference
Family: Ericaceae
Care: moderate
Light: partial shade to full sun with
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Cranberry
View
Canadian blueberry
View
Chilean Gaultheria
View
Mountain Laurel
View