Showy Lantern Enkianthus

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Partial Sun

(3 - 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

6-8 Feet

Mature Spread

4-6 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

This beautiful Showy Lantern Enkianthus entirely lives up to its name and does, in fact, feature showy blooms that resemble lanterns. Dainty, bell-shaped flowers with flared openings hang upside down, gently nodding. The flowers grow in bunches and are a dark pink hue. Flowers begin to bloom in late spring. Elliptic, dark green foliage has finely serrated edges and grows in clusters near the ends of the branches. While this plant puts on a lovely springtime display, it also produces vibrant fall color when the leaves turn predominantly red with hints of yellow and orange.

Showy Lantern Enkianthus is a woody ornamental perennial with an upright growth habit. Use this striking plant to create a showy flowering hedge, foundation planting, or add three seasons of interest to a bed or mass planting. Bees and hummingbirds are attracted to the unique flowers. The Showy Lantern Enkianthus is deciduous and grows as a perennial in USDA zones 4 through 8. This plant has similar soil, and care needs as Rhododendrons and Azaleas, so these plants are often featured together.

Showy Lantern Enkianthus Care

This Enkianthus prefers rich, acidic soil with medium moisture but is well-drained. Plant in partial shade, or rather an area that receives 4 to 6 hours of sunlight. Water once each week or when the top few inches of soil dry out.

Enkianthus blooms on old growth, so prune as needed after the flowers fade. Feed this plant in the spring using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.

Showy Lantern Enkianthus Spacing

Showy Lantern Enkianthus is an upright plant that is an aggressive grower. Mature plants will reach 6 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide. Plants can grow 4 to 6 feet apart.