Other Names:  Evergreen Witch Hazel, Witchhazel, Isu Tree

Description:

This evergreen shrub has an upright vase habit with upswept branching; red flowers along the branches accentuates the vertical structure of the shrub; excellent for massing along borders

Ornamental Features

Athens Tower Myrtle Leaf Distylium is clothed in stunning burgundy spider-like flowers along the branches from late winter to mid spring, which emerge from distinctive creamy white flower buds. It has attractive bluish-green evergreen foliage which emerges light green in spring. The glossy oval leaves are highly ornamental and remain bluish-green throughout the winter.

Landscape Attributes

Athens Tower Myrtle Leaf Distylium is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with an indistinguished habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and usually looks its best without pruning, although it will tolerate pruning. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Athens Tower Myrtle Leaf Distylium is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Mass Planting
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Athens Tower Myrtle Leaf Distylium will grow to be about 8 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.