Enkianthus campanulatus 'PAGODE'

Latin name enkianthus was made up from two Greek words: enkyos (pregnant) and anthos (flower) although this deciduous shrub originates in Japan. It belongs to the heath family where it fits perfectly if you are making a heath garden at home. No other rhododendron or azalea has its habit. Its main stems are always fully vertical with tops of small, alternate leaves.

Pagode is a red-vein variety producing cute, little, bell-shaped, creamy flowers. Compared to the species they are slightly bigger and have redder margins and prominent veins. They appear from mid to late spring, underneath the umbrella of leaves. Deadheading spent flowers should increase the number of flowers on young plants, however, we never do it and our shrubs are beautiful and flower abundantly every year. Apart from its beautiful flowers red-vein is renowned for its other feature: the autumn colour. The leaves, before they fall off, turn several shades or red and purple if grown on acid soils.

Red-vein does not require any care or pruning. Still, if your plant produces branches that for some reason went bananas and grew too long (usually due to excess fertilizing or watering), you can trim them. Mature plants can be kept compact by regular pruning immediately after flowering.

Give it fully acidic, fertile soil that will always be moist but do not allow the plant to stand in water, and a sunny spot. It can take part-shade, too. Fully hardy to about -34 °C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 05-06-2023