How to Grow Enkianthus Campanulatus Red Bells - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Enkianthus campanulatus red bells is a plant that is native to Japan. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow to be about 6 feet tall. The leaves of this plant are ovate-shaped and are dark green in color. The flowers of this plant are bell-shaped and are a deep red color. This plant blooms in the spring and summer.

How to Grow Enkianthus Campanulatus Red Bells - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Enkianthus subulatus
  • Enkianthus chinensis
  • Enkianthus cernuus
  • Enkianthus perulatus
  • Enkianthus veitchii

Common Knowledge

  • Enkianthus campanulatus, commonly known as red bells, is a deciduous shrub native to Japan.
  • It typically grows to 6-9 ft. (8-7 m) tall and features small, bell-shaped, deep red flowers that bloom in clusters in late spring to early summer.
  • The leaves are ovate to elliptical in shape and turn a beautiful red color in the fall.
  • Red bells prefer partial to full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
  • They are relatively low-maintenance plants and are generally pest and disease free.
  • Red bells are often used as ornamental plants in gardens and landscapes.
  • They can also be grown in containers and make excellent houseplants.
  • Red bells are relatively slow-growing plants and can take several years to reach their full size.
  • They are typically long-lived plants and can live for up to 20 years or more.
  • Red bells are generally hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5-

Planting Process

  1. For enkianthus campanulatus red bells, first step is to start with good quality seed or plant material.
  2. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil for planting.
  3. If starting with seed, sow the seed in a seed flat or tray filled with moistened seed starting mix.
  4. Cover the seed with a thin layer of the mix and place in a warm location.
  5. Keep the mix moist but not soggy until the seed germinates.
  6. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them out so that only the strongest ones remain.
  7. Transplant the seedlings into individual pots filled with a quality potting mix.
  8. Water regularly and fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
  9. When the plants are large enough, transplant them into the garden.
  10. Enkianthus campanulatus red bells will bloom in late spring or early summer.

Related plant:
Enkianthus Campanulatus

The Soil

About soil condition, enkianthus campanulatus red bells need well-drained, humus-rich soil. When planting, dig a hole twice the width of the pot and mix in some compost. Water well after planting and mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.

About light

Not too different with other Enkianthus campanulatus, the Red Bells require high amounts of sun light. It is best to place the Red Bells in an area of your home that gets a lot of direct sunlight. If you cannot provide the Red Bells with enough sun light, then you may need to supplement their light with artificial lighting.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition for enkianthus campanulatus red bells is cool to cold. They need a temperature that is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit in order to thrive. anything above that and the plant will start to experience problems. If the temperature gets too high, the leaves will start to turn brown and fall off. The flowers will also start to fade and the plant will eventually die.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% or higher. However, it can tolerate lower humidity conditions for short periods of time. If the humidity drops below 50% for an extended period of time, the plant may start to experience leaf drop.

Fertilizing

The fertilizer, usually the plant food, that you use for your red bells will also affect the roots. A high-nitrogen fertilizer will cause the roots to grow more rapidly. A high-phosphorus fertilizer will encourage the formation of more flowers. A balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, is usually best.

Light requirement

Pruning Enkianthus Campanulatus Red Bells Enkianthus campanulatus red bells is a popular ornamental plant. It is native to eastern Asia and is closely related to the rhododendron. The plant has a spreading, vase-shaped habit and produces clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. The flowers are borne on short stems in late spring or early summer. Enkianthus campanulatus red bells is best pruned in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. The plant can be pruned quite severely, as it will respond well and produce new growth from the base. Cut back the stems to about 6 inches (15 cm) above the ground. This will encourage the plant to produce new growth from the base, resulting in a fuller, healthier plant.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of the red bell enkianthus is done through root cuttings taken from young plants in early spring. The cuttings should be 4 to 6 inches long and should be placed in a moist, but not wet, rooting medium. After the cuttings have been taken, the plant should be kept in a cool, sunny location.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate quickly in the right conditions. They typically need moist, well-drained soil and partial sun to full shade. Red bells will often bloom profusely in spring, with large clusters of flowers hanging down from the branches. Once established, they are relatively drought tolerant.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are over-watering, under-watering, and pests. Over-watering can cause the leaves to yellow and drop off, as well as the flowers. Under-watering will cause the leaves to wilt and the flowers to droop. Pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs can cause the leaves to yellow and drop off, as well as the flowers.

Growing Tips

  • Make sure to plant your enkianthus campanulatus red bells in an area that receives full sun to partial shade.
  • Soil should be rich, well-drained and slightly acidic.
  • Enkianthus campanulatus red bells can be susceptible to root rot, so make sure the planting area has good drainage.
  • Space plants about 2-3 feet apart.
  • Enkianthus campanulatus red bells have a shallow root system, so be careful not to damage the roots when transplanting or cultivating around the plants.
  • Water plants regularly during the growing season, but do not over-water as this can lead to root rot.
  • Fertilize plants annually with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune plants as needed to remove dead or damaged branches.
  • Enkianthus campanulatus red bells are moderately resistant to deer and rabbits

Similar Plants

  • Enkianthus campanulatus - Enkianthus campanulatus, commonly known as strawberry-bush, trumpet enkianthus, bellflower enkianthus, and red bells, is a species of broad-leaved deciduous shrub of the genus enkianthus in the family Ericaceae, native to Taiwan and China.
  • Enkianthus campanulatus 'Red Bells' - Enkianthus campanulatus 'Red Bells' is a medium-sized deciduous shrub with narrowly ovate to oval leaves, 4–7 cm (6–8 in) long and 3–5 cm (2–0 in) broad, turning yellow and red in autumn.
  • Enkianthus campanulatus 'White Bells' - Enkianthus campanulatus 'White Bells' is a medium-sized decid

Source:
Enkianthus | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
Enkianthus campanulatus (furin-tsutsuji, Redvein Enkianthus)
SelecTree: A Tree Selection Guide

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Shrubs Category