Red-Vein Enkianthus

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

6-8 Feet

Mature Spread

5-6 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

A strong upright growth habit, attractive summer flowers, and excellent fall interest make the red vein enkianthus a solid addition to the landscape. Bell-shaped flowers must be seen close-up in order to be fully appreciated; they hang in clusters and are creamy-colored with red veins. Brownish-yellow seed capsules follow the flowers and remain on the plant into the winter to extend the season of interest for the red vein enkianthus. Foliage is a bluish-green in the summer before turning into a show-stopping brilliant scarlet in fall. 

This is an acid-loving shrub, so it pairs well with plants that have a similar requirement like rhododendrons and azaleas.  It is an excellent option for a woodland garden, mixed shrub border or in foundation plantings but is also attractive enough on its own to make a good specimen plant. The red vein enkianthus, native to open woodlands in Japan, generally has few pest or disease issues.

Red Vein Enkianthus Care

The red vein enkianthus prefers a site with soil that has a pH below 6.. Fertilize annually each spring with a slow-release fertilizer for acid-loving plants. Soil can be moist but should offer good drainage. This plant has average water needs, so check on it regularly throughout the season following planting and during extended dry spells in following years. 

Perform any pruning on the red vein enkianthus immediately after flowering. The red vein enkianthus blooms on growth from the previous year, so pruning at any other time can affect the number of flowers.

Red Vein Enkianthus Spacing

With its upright form, the red vein enkianthus grows six to ten feet tall with a spread of four to six feet. Space plants four feet apart for a mass planting or border or give them at least six feet of space for a more natural look or specimen planting.