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Description
Enkianthus Perulatus, also known as white enkianthus or Japanese snowbell, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the family Ericaceae. It is native to Japan, Korea, and China and is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. The plant produces stunning white bell-shaped flowers in late spring or early summer, which are followed by red, orange, or yellow fall foliage. Enkianthus Perulatus is a slow-growing plant that can reach a height of 6 to 10 feet and a width of 4 to 6 feet.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Enkianthus |
Appearance
Enkianthus Perulatus has a beautiful, compact growth habit with a dense, bushy appearance. Its leaves are oval-shaped and have a glossy, dark green color. The plant’s flowers are white, bell-shaped, and hang in clusters of 6 to 10 blooms. The blooms have a slightly pinkish tinge on the outside and are about 1 inch long. The plant’s fall foliage is equally stunning, with leaves turning beautiful shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Care Guide
Enkianthus Perulatus is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your plant healthy:
Water: The plant prefers moist, well-draining soil. Make sure to water it regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
Soil: Enkianthus Perulatus prefers acidic soils with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. If your soil is not acidic enough, you can add elemental sulfur or iron sulfate to lower the pH.
Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun. In hotter climates, it may benefit from some afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch.
Hardiness Zones: Enkianthus Perulatus is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Enkianthus Perulatus is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to some issues:
Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown or black spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and improve air circulation around the plant to prevent the disease from spreading.
Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant’s leaves and cause stunted growth. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids.
Habitat
Enkianthus Perulatus is native to Japan, Korea, and China and is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. The plant prefers moist, well-draining soils and partial shade to full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Enkianthus Perulatus be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Enkianthus Perulatus can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: Does Enkianthus Perulatus attract bees?
A: Yes, Enkianthus Perulatus is attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Q: How often should Enkianthus Perulatus be pruned?
A: Enkianthus Perulatus does not require regular pruning but can be pruned in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches.
Q: Can Enkianthus Perulatus be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Enkianthus Perulatus can be propagated from softwood or hardwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
Related Plants
- Enkianthus Campanulatus
- Enkianthus Cernuus
- Enkianthus Deflexus
References
- “Enkianthus Perulatus.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d527.
- “Enkianthus Perulatus.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/8923/enkianthus-perulatus/details.
- “Growing Enkianthus.” Gardening Know How, www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/enkianthus/growing-enkianthus.htm.
