Enkianthus perulatus J.L. Pennock (White Enkianthus)

Highly rated for its spectacular fall display, which is outstanding both in color and in its exceptional longevity, award-winning Enkianthus perulatus 'J.L. Pennock' (White Enkianthus) is ideal for use as an ornamental garden plant. In spring, clusters of daintily elegant, pure white, urn-shaped, nodding flowers appear discreetly before the leaves, but the most celebrated feature of this deciduous shrub is its distinctive fall coloration. The latter develops about two weeks before other Enkianthus perulatus plants and remains until the end of the fall season. In early fall, the bright green foliage of finely serrated leaves develops a hint of burgundy which deepens over the following couple of months to a brilliant red or a glowing yellowish orange. Adaptable, this outstanding shrub is a lovely substitute for Euonymus alatus in parts of the USA where the latter is invasive.

• Wider than it is tall, this deciduous shrub features a dense, symmetrical growth habit with a strongly layered appearance, whereas most Enkianthus perulatus plants are about as wide as they are tall.
• Grows up to 5-10 ft. tall (150-300 cm) with a spread of 5-8 ft. (150-240 cm). However, its slow rate (a few inches per year) makes this plant an excellent candidate for small gardens.
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in organically-rich, medium, well-drained, acidic soils. It has a shallow root system, making the plant easily transplanted.
• Winner of the Gold Medal Award of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.
• Low maintenance (this cultivar requires little pruning), this plant is also generally pest and disease free.
• Mass in mixed shrub borders. Perfect as a specimen plant or for foundation plantings. Great flowering shrub with Rhododendrons. Good in containers too!
• Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings.
• Native to Japan and Taiwan.