Distylium racemosum
isu tree
A spreading shrub or tree with narrow ovate, leathery, glossy dark green leaves, 3-7cm long. Small flowers lacking petals, but with showy red calyces and purple stamens, are produced in upright racemes, 2.5-5cm long, in late spring and early summer
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple Red | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Hamamelidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Distylium are trees and shrubs with evergreen, leathery, usually dark green leaves and groups of petal-less flowers in the leaf axils
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Far East
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained soil in part shade, with shelter from strong cold winds
Propagation
Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe or propagate from semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pruning group 1 but pruning is not usually necessary
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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