About this plant
Winter-Hazel Distylium
Distylium is a genus of some fifteen to twenty evergreen trees and shrubs from the warm temperate forests of eastern and south-eastern Asia, in the witch hazel family. The garden forms are dense shrubs with small, leathery leaves and, in late winter or spring, tiny petal-less flowers with red stamens. They are increasingly used as a disease-free alternative to box.
Location and soil
Distyliums grow in sun or partial shade; in shade the habit becomes looser. They prefer a deep, fertile, evenly moist but well-drained soil that is slightly acid to neutral; heavy chalky soil can yellow the leaves. They tolerate frost to around -15 °C, so in colder spots a sheltered position is advisable.
Pruning and care
Easy and largely free of pests and diseases, including the fungus that kills box. Feed in spring and treat with iron chelate if the leaves yellow on chalky soil. Pruning is not needed; a light trim after flowering only makes the plant denser or tidies its shape. In cold winters some leaf browning is possible.
Use in the garden
Use distyliums for low evergreen hedges, edging, foundation plantings and mixed shrub borders, or in large pots. Their layered habit suits Japanese-style gardens, and they combine well with Nandina, Mexican orange blossom and laurustinus. The cut stems make good foliage for arrangements.
Plant characteristics
Related products
Distylium First Editions® 'Vintage Jade'
cont. 3,6L deco 30-40 cm +p
Distylium First Editions® 'Vintage Jade'
cont. 10L deco 40-50 cm +p