Disanthus

Disanthus ceridifolius (dis-AN-thus ser-uh-sid-ih-FOH-lee-us)

Family: Hamamelidaceae Non-native Shrub (3-15 ft)

Redbud hazel is an ornamental, vase-shaped, multi-stemmed, broadleaf deciduous shrub that grows 6 to 10 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide. In the spring, the leaves are blue-green, heart-shaped, similar to a redbud, and in fall, the foliage puts on a show, turning red, yellow, and orange. It has small starfish-shaped flowers in the fall after the leaves have dropped. It is a member of the witch-hazel family (Hamamelidaceae), and is native to Southeast China and Japan. The genus name, Disanthus, is derived from two Greek words: dis , meaning "twice," and anthos , meaning "flower." This references its paired flowers. The specific epithet, cercidifolius , refers to the similarity of its leaves to those of the genus Cercis, commonly known as redbuds . The common name, Redbud Hazel, refers to the leaf's resemblance to redbuds, and the flower's relationship to witch hazel. Best planted in shade to partial shade with moist, fertile, well-drained, acidic soil. Give it protection from strong winds, hot afternoon sun, drought, and deer. Propagated by seed or layering. This slender shrub is one of the best for fall color, even in full shade. The color change begins early and intensifies through the fall season. The flowers are produced late in the fall, usually after the leaves have fallen. They appear at the end of the leaf axil on the branch tip. To provide fall color to your landscape, consider this medium-sized shrub as a border, specimen, accent, or foundation planting. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Generally, insect pest-free and disease-free. Some susceptibility to fungal diseases in hot, humid climates. This shrub has been reported to be difficult to establish.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 60 attributes.