Distylium Coppertone™ (Evergreen Distylium)

Coppertone™ Distylium is an evergreen shrub that’s gaining attention in the landscaping world for its unique features and adaptability.

Distylium Coppertone™: An In-depth Look

Coppertone™ is known for its dense, rounded habit and vibrant foliage. The leaves change color throughout the year, starting coppery-red in spring, transitioning to blue-green in summer, and then to purple in winter.

Native: The Distylium genus, to which Coppertone™ belongs, is native to East Asia, particularly in China and Japan. Coppertone™ is a cultivated variety developed for specific landscape uses.

Plant Type and Habit: This cultivar is an evergreen shrub with a compact, rounded growth habit. Its dense and lush foliage gives it a full and healthy appearance.

Size: Coppertone™ typically grows to about 3-4 feet in height (90-120 cm) and spreads 4-5 feet (120-150 cm) wide, making it suitable for a variety of landscape uses.

Flowers: It produces small, reddish-maroon flowers during the winter to early spring. The flowers are not overly showy but add a nice contrast against the dark green foliage.

Foliage: The foliage of Coppertone™ Distylium is notable for its dynamic color changes throughout the year, making it a visually appealing choice for landscapes and gardens. The leaves emerge a striking coppery-red in spring, adding a vibrant splash of color to the garden. This warm, rich hue is particularly eye-catching and can serve as a focal point in spring plantings.

As the seasons progress, the foliage transitions to a lush blue-green color in the summer. This deep, verdant shade provides a cooling effect in the landscape and blends well with other summer greenery. The leaves are small to medium-sized, with a glossy texture and slightly wavy margins, adding to the plant’s overall aesthetic appeal.

In the winter, the foliage takes on a purple hue, adding yet another layer of interest to the garden during the colder months. This ability to provide year-round color makes Coppertone™ Distylium a valuable addition to a variety of landscape designs, from foundation plantings and hedges to mixed borders and container gardens.

Uses: Ideal for mass plantings, foundation plantings, hedges, or as a specimen plant. Its compact size also makes it suitable for container gardening.

Hardiness: It is hardy in USDA zones 7-9, showing good tolerance to a variety of environmental conditions.

Wildlife: While not a major attractor of wildlife, its flowers may provide some benefit to pollinators in early spring.

Toxicity: There is no known toxicity to humans or pets, making it a safe choice for residential landscapes.

Deer and Rabbit: It exhibits some resistance to deer and rabbits, which can be beneficial in areas where these animals are prevalent.

Drought: Once established, it has a good level of drought tolerance, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.

Invasiveness: This cultivar is not known to be invasive and tends to grow within its designated area without spreading aggressively.

Benefits: The evergreen nature of Coppertone™ provides year-round interest in the garden. Its seasonal foliage color changes and compact growth habit make it a visually appealing and versatile choice for landscape designs.

Evergreen Distylium Growing Tips

Light: Evergreen Distylium thrives in full sun to partial shade. Full sun encourages denser foliage and more abundant flowering.

Soil: Prefers well-drained soil. It can adapt to a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, or sandy soils. Tolerates both acidic and alkaline pH levels.

Water: Regular watering is needed to establish plants. Once established, Distylium is quite drought-tolerant. However, consistent moisture promotes optimal growth and health.

Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive growth and reduced flowering.

Pruning: Pruning is not typically necessary but can be done to maintain shape or size. Prune after flowering.

Propagation: Propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer.

Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-resistant. Keep an eye out for common issues like leaf spot or root rot, especially in poorly drained soils. Good cultural practices usually prevent most diseases.