Why plant Coppertone™ Distylium?
Coppertone is a unique rounded evergreen shrub that provides a mix of evergreen foliage and petite red blooms that will delight year after year. A mid-sized shrub, Coppertone is a great substitute for other shrubs such as boxwoods, cherry laurels, hollies, and even junipers. Coppertone is a very adaptable shrub that can tolerate conditions that span from drought to heat, full sun to shade, and is even fairly disease and pest resistant. This versatile shrub is one you will not want to miss out on, plant Coppertone in your landscape today!
Originating from China, Distylium makes up a small grouping of plants that are actually related to witch-hazel. There were three Distyliums brought over from China that proved to be popular: Distylium myricoides, Distylium racemosum, and a hybrid between the two. It was the hybrid that attracted Dr. Michael Dirr at the University of Georgia to the DNA and reseeding of this hybrid. Some of the seedlings were selected and patented; plant 'PIIDIST-III' was patented in 2015 and is now the plant that we know as the First Editions Coppertone Distylium.
How to use Coppertone™ Distylium in the landscape?
You'll want to move the laurels and boxwoods when you see the foliage of Coppertone. This evergreen is a showy accent that is great for use in borders and hedges. Glossy blue-green foliage bring color and pest-free assurance to any landscape. Coppertone is also a colorful character with its leaves going through copper, red, purple, and bronze hues. To add more winter interest, Coppertone produces dark red flowers in the winter that help to ring in the holidays.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 7-9
How To Plant Coppertone™ Distylium
Don't blink, Coppertone is a fast-grower that will thrive in almost any area that you plant it. A tolerant accent, Coppertone will grow whether in full sun or part shade and any soil condition is fine. This is a warm weather lover and Coppertone thrives best in warmer climates; once established, Coppertone is drought tolerant. Pruning is not required unless a clean-cut look is desired.
How To Fertilize
Incorporate Elements Starter Plant food granular form into the soil when planting. If planting in spring or summer, start fertilizing late fall using Elements Starter Plant food granular form on an annual basis each late fall. Continue this for the first three years to get your plant well established.