Distylium (Distylium)
Distylium is a genus of evergreen shrubs in the witch hazel family native to Asia. Hybrids in this genus are compact, coming in many sizes, and are very insect- and disease-resistant as well as tolerant of drought and heat. Some cultivars even grow well in wet soils.
Clemson Cooperative Extensionsā Home & Garden Information Center wrote, āDistylium hybrids are an exciting new arrival in the nursery trade. They are a Southern gardenerās dream plant because they are evergreen, compact, disease and insect-resistant, and they are heat- and drought-tolerant.ā
Depending on the variety, the cascading growth habit ranges from 3 to 10 feet in height and 4 to 8 feet in width with alternate leaves that are a glossy dark green to blue-green. Some of the varieties have coppery-red new foliage.
While most cultivars mature to a dark green, many have emergent growth ranging from reds to purples to bronze shades. They produce small reddish-maroon flowers from late January until March. Their landscape potential is further aided by non-messy fruits and minimal maintenance needs.
These slow-growing and low-maintenance shrubs grow best in full sun, but they tolerate part shade, where they will have a looser shape. Distylium grows in clay, loam, or sand that is moist with good drainage (and occasionally dry or wet).
Prune the tips in late May/June for bushier, more dense, compact growth. This pruning is best done before the flower buds are set in late summer.A late winter tip pruning may also be done after the plant has bloomed, but the best advice is minimal attention.
'Cinnamon Girl' form | Jim Robbins | CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Plant distylium as a specimen plant, in small groups, or mass plant along a border or walkway, or on a sloped area. Their compact form works well in the small nooks of cottage or formal gardens and they can be planted in a row and pruned to form a privacy hedge or screen.
Due to their toughness, Distylium hybrids are an excellent alternative to laurels, junipers, hollies, Indian hawthorns, and boxwoods.
There is no significant pest or disease damage to be noted. Furthermore, the plants have a high resistance to deer and rabbits. They are susceptible to Phytophthora root rot, so consider resistant alternatives if this disease is present in your area.
By Kathryn Copley, Extension Master Gardenerā Volunteer, Brunswick County, NC
For more information on gardening in Brunswick County, please call the Brunswick County Cooperative Extension Office, 910.253.2610.
SOURCES:
Distylium | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Distyliums | Clemson University Cooperative Extension, Home and Garden Information Center