Organic Answers Column – October 12, 2022 – Distylium
Distylium – A New Group of Evergreens to Consider
Distyliums are a relatively new group of broadleaf evergreens for that look great and should be considered for your landscape. I had missed out on these plants until just recently.
photos by Lanay Hartman
They are all insect pest and disease resistant, heat tolerant, relatively drought tolerant, can stand wettish soil and are generally low maintenance. These versatile plants are quickly becoming popular substitutes for boxwoods, laurels, hollies and junipers. And there are several Distylium varieties. Here’s info on just a few.
Vintage Jade® Distylium
Hardiness zones: 6b to 9
Size: 2 to 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide
Evergreen shrub that spreads outward similar to low growing junipers. Dense, deep green foliage, small ruby red flowers for a treat of color in winter. Its low growing spreading habit makes it an excellent groundcover choice. Use this low growing evergreen shrub in rock gardens or borders for year round effect.
Blue Cascade® Distylium
Hardiness zones: 7 to 9
Size: 3 to 4 feet tall and wide
Distinctive blue-green foliage lasts all year. Small ruby red flowers cover branches January through March. In spring the leaves have a bronze-red hue. This compact evergreen has a cascading, layered effect.
Cinnamon Girl Distylium
Cinnamon Girl Distylium
Hardiness zone 7-9
Size: 2-3 ht. and 3-4 wide
Small leaf selection with plum-purple new growth that turns blue green with maturity. Has a more refined look than other Distyliums. This and other Distyliums are reported to be deer resistant.
Distylium Care:
Plant this bush anytime of the year as long as the ground isn’t frozen. When planting in summer be sure to water deeply an additional time per week. Distyliums respond beautifully to the natural organic program.
Sunlight
Distylium grows well in full sun or part shade.
Soil
This evergreen shrub is adaptable to different soils, but performs best in a moist, well-draining soil.
Water
After planting, water deeply about 2 times per week. Once established this plant is drought tolerant. Water in periods of drought for best growth and flowering.
Food
Fertilize these plants with a balanced slow release fertilizer in spring.
Pruning
These evergreen shrubs tolerate heavy pruning, but do not need to be pruned. If needed, prune in early spring after flowering has ended.
Pests and Disease
Highly resistant to both insect pests and disease.
These plants are extremely versatile in the landscape. They are great replacements for some of the old standards, especially in foundation plantings, hedges, and borders. Try these bushes in group or mass plantings for a bold look. These attractive evergreen shrubs are unique and showy making them ideal specimens or focal shrubs in a garden or mixed bed. Distyliums are also effective in containers.