Culture
Best grown in evenly moist, slightly acidic, well-draining soils in full sun to part shade. Adaptable to a range of sun conditions, although the growth habit will be looser in shade. Hardy in Zones 7-9. Winter foliage browning is possible, particularly at the coldest end of the hardiness range. Pruning is not required, but light pruning after flowering will encourage denser growth and can be used to shape . Propagate through stem cuttings or seed.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Distylium is a genus containing around 15-20 species of evergreen trees and shrubs native to subtropical and warm temperate forests of eastern and southeastern Asia. The most common species utilized in hybridization work are D. racemosum and D. myricoides.
The genus name Distylium comes from the Greek dis meaning "two" and stylos meaning "style", in reference to the pair of conspicuous styles found found in the flowers of this genus.
'Vintage Jade' is a hybrid Distylium selected from seed grown plants resulting from a cross between D. myricoides and D. racemosum. Mature plants will reach 2-4' tall with a 5-8' spread and take on a mounding to spreading, dense, cushion-like habit with layered branching. The evergreen foliage is alternately arranged, dark green in color, elliptical in shape, and will reach around 2.5" long and 0.75" wide. Small, red flowers bloom in axillary clusters from mid winter to early spring. This plant is protected by patent number PP23128.
Problems
No major pest or disease problems of note. Winter foliage browning is possible in colder Zones. Deer tend to avoid this plant.
Uses
Groupings, foundation plantings. Stems can be used as foliage accents in fresh cut arrangements.