Enkianthus
A thousand bells
Latin name | Enkianthus |
Homeland | Japan |
Family | Ericaceae |
Cultivation | simple |
Location | in the open sun or partial shade |
Temperature | resistant to both low and high temperatures |
Watering | required only during dry conditions and in containers |
Flowering time | from late spring to early summer |
Height | up to 6 m |
Transplanting | not performed |
Appearance maintenance | not required |
The genus Enkianthus includes about 10 species of deciduous and semi-evergreen (depending on temperature and humidity) shrubs up to 6 m high. They are very much appreciated for their abundant flowering and decorative foliage (leaves with a finely toothed edge are collected at the ends of twigs in groups), which in autumn acquire a very bright, from yellow to rich red color. Many small, slightly drooping flowers with a bell-shaped or pitcher-shaped corolla are collected in apical umbrellas or brushes. Enkianthus campanulatus is a sprawling deciduous species. The leaves are dark green, obovate or elliptical in shape. Yellow-cream and orange flowers with red veins form thick brushes and bloom in May. The fruits are oblong or egg-shaped beans, first green, then rusty-brown. Enkianthus drooping (E. cernuus) is an erect deciduous shrub with dark green leaves. White flowers are collected in a brush, bloom in May. A very common variety of ' Red ' with fringed bright red flowers. In the deciduous species enkianthus chinensis (E. chinensis), yellow flowers with a red tint, larger in size than in other species, bloom in early summer. The leaves are large, with red petioles. Enkianthus perulatus - compact deciduous slow-growing species, it is characterized by young red shoots. The leaves are pointed; white flowers in dense racemes bloom in May.
The genus Enkianthus includes about 10 species of deciduous and semi-evergreen (depending on temperature and humidity) shrubs up to 6 m high. They are very much appreciated for their abundant flowering and decorative foliage (leaves with a finely toothed edge are collected at the ends of twigs in groups), which in autumn acquire a very bright, from yellow to rich red color. Many small, slightly drooping flowers with a bell-shaped or pitcher-shaped corolla are collected in apical umbrellas or brushes.
Enkianthus campanulatus is a sprawling deciduous species. The leaves are dark green, obovate or elliptical in shape. Yellow-cream and orange flowers with red veins form thick brushes and bloom in May. The fruits are oblong or egg-shaped beans, first green, then rusty-brown.
Enkianthus drooping (E. cernuus) is an erect deciduous shrub with dark green leaves. White flowers are collected in a brush, bloom in May. A very common variety of ' Red ' with fringed bright red flowers.
In the deciduous species enkianthus chinensis (E. chinensis), yellow flowers with a red tint, larger in size than in other species, bloom in early summer. The leaves are large, with red petioles.
Enkianthus perulatus - compact deciduous slow-growing species, it is characterized by young red shoots. The leaves are pointed; white flowers in dense racemes bloom in May.
Cultivation
Plants of the genus Enkianthus are grown in the open ground in single and small group plantings in parks and gardens, in mixborders. On balconies and terraces, plants are planted in flower boxes or containers. The soil is preferably slightly acidic or neutral (in no case alkaline, calcareous), organic fertilizers are added when planting (5-7 kg/m2). Flower boxes and containers should be sufficiently roomy (at least 20-30 cm in diameter) to avoid transplanting, because plants should not be disturbed for as long as possible. Pre-cultivation substrate - 2/3 of fertile land and 1/3 peat. In spring, once every 20-30 days, a complex mineral fertilizer is added to the water for irrigation in the amount of 15 g per bucket. Pruning is carried out only if it is necessary to remove dry, damaged or randomly arranged branches.
Plants of the genus Enkianthus are grown in the open ground in single and small group plantings in parks and gardens, in mixborders. On balconies and terraces, plants are planted in flower boxes or containers. The soil is preferably slightly acidic or neutral (in no case alkaline, calcareous), organic fertilizers are added when planting (5-7 kg/m2). Flower boxes and containers should be sufficiently roomy (at least 20-30 cm in diameter) to avoid transplanting, because plants should not be disturbed for as long as possible. Pre-cultivation substrate - 2/3 of fertile land and 1/3 peat. In spring, once every 20-30 days, a complex mineral fertilizer is added to the water for irrigation in the amount of 15 g per bucket. Pruning is carried out only if it is necessary to remove dry, damaged or randomly arranged branches.
Location
Enkianthus can be grown both in a sunny place and in partial shade.
Temperature
It can withstand significant fluctuations in air temperature.
Watering
It is necessary to water only during periods of prolonged drought, especially young plants and planted in flower boxes and containers.
Reproduction
Plants of the genus Enkianthus are propagated in August-September by semi-woody cuttings 10-15 cm long. Plant in boxes filled with peat and sand-based soil (1:1) in a closed, unheated room. Next spring, they are transplanted into new pots one at a time. After 2-3 years, they are planted in the ground.
Diseases
Plants of the genus Enkianthus are quite resistant to diseases and pests. Often there are injuries from infection with worms, on their sugary secretions - paddy develops rabble. The affected parts are removed, and then treated with anticoccidal drugs.
Acquisition
Plants of the genus Enkianthus are easily found in well-supplied gardening centers and nurseries. Choose finally formed healthy small seedlings.