Redvein Enkianthus

Redvein enkianthus (Enkianthus campanulatus, Ericaceae) is a deciduous shrub from Japan, reaching 6 to 8 feet (occasionally to 20 feet). Small bell-shaped flowers (8 to 12 millimeters) in creamy to light orange tones with red veins hang in terminal clusters from May to June. Elliptic leaves (2.5 to 7.5 centimeters) crowd at branch tips and turn yellow, orange, and scarlet in fall, providing some of the most vivid autumn color among ericaceous plants.

Redvein enkianthus grows in sun to part shade on acid soil, similar in requirements to rhododendrons, hardy in Zones 4a to 8b. It blooms on old wood; prune immediately after flowering. No significant pest or disease issues are documented. NC State documents 5 cultivars.