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Distylium racemosum

isu tree

A spreading shrub or tree with narrow ovate, leathery, glossy dark green leaves, 3-7cm long. Small flowers lacking petals, but with showy red calyces and purple stamens, are produced in upright racemes, 2.5-5cm long, in late spring and early summer

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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Red Green
Summer Purple Red Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Hamamelidaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Distylium are trees and shrubs with evergreen, leathery, usually dark green leaves and groups of petal-less flowers in the leaf axils

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Far East

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained soil in part shade, with shelter from strong cold winds

Propagation

Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe or propagate from semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

Pruning group 1 but pruning is not usually necessary

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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