Enkianthus campanulatus ‘Miyama-Beni'

 

Plant of the Month April 2026

Enkianthus campanulatus ‘Miyama-Beni'.

GENERAL INFORMATION: An under-used shrub for semi-shade in neutral to acid soils. If possible, buy in the fall to ensure good leaf colour.

Common Name: Red Vein Enkianthus. 

Enkianthus campanulatus ‘Miyama-Beni'.

Life Cycle: Perennial shrub.

Bark: Smooth, brown.

Height: to 4m.

Bloom Time: June in Southern Ontario.

Flower Colour & Size: Blooms on previous years growth. Racemes of 5-15 small, bell shaped down-facing red flowers, 1.5 cm long. 

Enkianthus campanulatus ‘Miyama-Beni' - inflorescence, leaves, bark.

Scent: Fragrant.

Fruit: Seed capsules are ovoid, dehiscent and look like dried, upturned bells. The capsule is 5-valved, growing on a recurved pedicel. They are used in dried arrangements. My plant does not produce viable seed.

Leaves: Simple elliptical, medium to blueish green, alternate leaves, to 6cm long. Finely toothed. Fall colour can be red, with tones of orange, red and purple. Not all plants have this. Buy in the fall. My shrub has just yellowish leaves.

Native Range: Enkianthus campanulatus is native to Japan.

Habitat: Open woodlands.

CULTIVATION: 

Plant: where it can be seen easily all year round. 

Light: Shade to partial sun. Avoid noon day sun.

Soil: Moist but well drained peaty soils, acid to neutral.

Water: Average.

USDA Hardiness: Zones 4-7.

Pests and Diseases: Usually free for bugs and disease. May be susceptible to honey fungus.

Companion planting: Small rhododendrons, spring bulbs.

Pollinators: Bees, hummingbirds.

Propagation: Surface sow seed at 18-21°C in late winter or early spring. Requires light. Semi-ripe cuttings should root in summer. Try layering in the fall.

References: 

https://whistlinggardens.ca/product/miyamabeni-redvein-enkianthus/

https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/314417/enkianthus-campanulatus-miyama-beni/details 

https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=k210

https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/enkianthus-campanulatus/

 

Text and images supplied by Anna Leggatt (Toronto MasterGardener).