Photo of Distylium myricoides foliage by plant lust

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Distylium myricoides

Also Known As

  • Blue Leaf Isu Tree
  • Evergreen Witch Hazel
  • Isu Tree
  • Mosquito Myrtle

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 3'-4'
  • W: 6'-8'

planting zones

  • 7a-9b

More Options

Distylium myricoides plant details

Distylium myricoides is a slow-growing broadleaf evergreen shrub with blue and green foliage. In spring red flowers emerge followed by black fruit. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular water. Does well in acidic, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Distylium myricoides

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: hamamelidaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 6 FT - 8 FT - wide, 3 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: red blooms in spring
Uses: rare, winter interest, woodland garden, year-round-interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Distylium myricoides

USDA Zones: 7a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular
Soil needs: acidic, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Related to Witch Hazels, this rare Chinese 15-35' shrub/tree has 2-4", glossy blue-green leaves and petal-less flowers that consist of clusters of red stamens; an attractive and unique large shrub/small tree. S-PSh/M
An evergreen witch hazel with deep green narrow leaves. The 3'-4' tall plant makes an arching shrub that will bloom with red puffs of flowers in early spring. Can be kept pruned to 18" and will make an attractive shrub for the woodland garden.
Elegant evergreen shrub with a layered, fan like arching structure, related to Witch Hazel. Dark blue green leaves are very handsome on this relatively slow grower which may reach 6-7’ in many years. Dark red stamens add color to gray late winter days. Prefers rich acidic soil with organic matter, sun to part shade and some summer water. Choice and rare shrub form China.
A relative of Witch Hazels, this rare Chinese Shrub with glossy narrow, dark blue-green leaves with lateral branching that create a layered effect. The flowers, similar to Parrotia, have clusters of red stamens with no petals and line every stem beautifully followed by black fruit in Fall. A lovely and unique plant but slow growing, 4-8" per year. Because it's slow growing, many sources list the height after 8 years (an industry standard for shrub height) but it will get taller than the 4' often reported. Protection from strong winds is a good idea. (Oddly enough, ours in 2007, must have been really happy because they were definitely medium growers, not slow.)

By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

Evergreen shrub from southern China, a charming witch hazel relative with tiny fringed, ruby red, witchhazel flowers in early spring, nestled among the blue-green leaves. To 3-4 ft tall with layered branches are held in graceful, arching sweeps. Happy in full to part sun with regular summer water. Frost hardy in USDA zone 7.

Gardening facts about Distylium myricoides plant

How to Grow Distylium myricoides

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • acidic
    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • red
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Fruit

    • black
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
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