ENKIANTHUS C. RED BELLS

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Enkianthus campanulatus ‘Red Bells’

• Common Name: Red Bells Enkianthus

• Plant Type: Deciduous ornamental shrub

• Origin: Native to East Asia, particularly Japan; valued for its spring flowers and autumn foliage.

• Growth Habit: Upright, tiered branching, forming a graceful vase shape; typically reaches 2–3 metres tall with a similar spread over time.

• Foliage: Fresh green leaves in spring and summer, turning vivid shades of red, orange, and gold in autumn.

• Flowers: Distinctive bell-shaped, deep red to reddish-pink blooms appear in late spring to early summer, hanging in clusters.

• Seasonal Interest: Spring flowers, lush summer greenery, and outstanding autumn colour make it a multi-season highlight.

• Garden Uses: Excellent for mixed borders, woodland gardens, or as a feature shrub; also pairs well with rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias in acid-loving plant schemes.

• Wildlife Benefits: Flowers attract pollinators, particularly bees.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK and Ireland, tolerating winter frosts without protection.

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade; in hotter areas, partial shade helps protect foliage from scorch.

• Soil Preferences: Thrives in moist, well-drained, acidic soils rich in organic matter.

• pH Range: Best in acidic conditions (pH 4.5–6.5); avoid chalky or alkaline soils.

• Moisture Needs: Requires consistent moisture, particularly in dry spells, but dislikes waterlogged ground.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or autumn when conditions are mild and soil moisture is adequate.

• Spacing: Allow 1.5–2 metres of space for mature spread, or plant in groups for a fuller display.

• Shelter Needs: Choose a sheltered spot away from strong, cold winds to protect delicate spring blooms.

• Companion Planting: Works well with heathers, pieris, and other ericaceous plants for year-round colour.

• Container Growing: Can be grown in large pots with ericaceous compost; ensure regular feeding and watering.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Keep soil consistently moist, particularly during dry summer spells.

  • Avoid waterlogging by ensuring good drainage.

• Feeding: Apply a slow-release ericaceous fertiliser in spring to promote healthy foliage and flowering.

• Pruning:

  • Minimal pruning needed; remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches after flowering.

  • Light shaping can be done in summer if required.

• Mulching: Apply a 5–7 cm layer of ericaceous mulch, such as pine needles or composted bark, in spring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally pest-free and disease-resistant; occasional aphids may appear but rarely cause harm.

• Winter Care: Fully hardy; no special protection required, though young plants benefit from mulch over the root zone in very cold areas.

• Weed Control: Keep the base clear of weeds to reduce competition for nutrients and moisture.

• Longevity: Long-lived shrub that develops character and beauty as it matures.

• Size
  25-30

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.