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Enkianthus campanulatus ‘Showy Lantern’
enkianthus
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Image © Briggs Nursery
Image © Briggs Nursery |
Printer-friendly Fact Sheet
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| Outstanding Qualities |
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Enkianthus campanulatus is an understated but elegant deciduous shrub that provides year round interest. It is related to rhododendrons so thrives in our rainy climate and acidic soils. ‘Showy Lantern’ was chosen by the late Ed Mezitt of Weston Nursery in Massachusetts. Its bell-shaped flowers, which are produced in late spring, are larger than those of the wild type and are solid pink in color. Its dainty, deep green leaves turn rich scarlet in autumn. Unless pruned, ‘Showy Lantern’ is densely branched to ground level, so its habit is attractive in winter. Although Enkianthus campanulatus thrives in part shade, its fall color is strongest in full sun. It is an excellent choice for the woodland garden. Plant it with bleeding heart, sweet box (Sarcococca) and Solomon’s seal for a satisfying grouping. |
| Culture |
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Enkianthus campanulatus ‘Showy Lantern’ prefers part shade. It grows well and has best fall color when grown in full sun, but it has a fibrous root system that requires attentive watering. As a member of the Heath Family, it requires acidic soil with plenty of organic matter. This clone is slightly less hardy than the species. |
| Growing Habit |
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This very slow-growing, deciduous shrub reaches about 5 feet high and 3 feet wide in ten years. It matures at about 8 feet high. Its width depends on how it is trained and pruned. It is normally fairly narrow growing, but with training its branches can be encouraged to become more horizontal, something Elisabeth Miller was noted for doing in her Seattle garden – the result is very attractive. |
| Hardiness |
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USDA zones 7 to 8 |
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© 2009 Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden
Funded by the Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation
Administered by the Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden