Enkianthus campanulatus 'RUBY GLOW'

Although this deciduous shrub originates in Japan its Latin name enkianthus was made from two Greek words: enkyos, swollen or pregnant, and anthos, flower, referring to E. quinqueflorus in which each flower appears to bear another inside it. It belongs to the heath family and also fits in there perfectly. No other rhododendron or azalea has its structure. Its main stems are always fully vertical with tops of small, alternate leaves.

At the end of spring, underneath the small umbrella of leaves hang lovely, bell-shaped flowers with conspicuous red veins. Ruby Glow is one of the latest varieties with deep pink to ruby-red coloured flowers. Deadheading spent flowers should increase the number of flowers on young plants, however, we have never done it and our shrubs are beautiful and abundantly flowering every year.

Apart from its unique blooms there is another show-off feature: its autumn colour. The leaves, before they fall off, turn to bright red, deep orange or butter yellow, depending on location.

Red-vein need not be pruned, only the branches that, for instance, due to excess fertilizing went bananas and grew too long, may be trimmed. Mature plants can be kept compact by trimming immediately after flowering.

As for any other ericaceous plant, give it fully acidic, light, fertile soil that will always be moist but well drained, and a sunny spot. Hardy to -34 °C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 17-12-2008.