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Shrubs

Distylium

Distylium is a genus of evergreen shrubs native to Asia and the Southeastern United States. Known for their dense and compact growth habit, they are grown for their attractive foliage, which makes for dense hedges in formal gardens.

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Distylium for sale planted in the landscape in front of a white house

What Are Distylium Plants?

Distylium plants are hardy, evergreen shrubs that offer a modern, low-maintenance alternative to boxwood, hollies, and laurels. A member of the witch hazel family, the distylium shrub is known for its clean, disease-resistant foliage, subtle reddish winter flowers, and a naturally mounded or spreading habit that works beautifully in foundation plantings, borders, and mass plantings. These shrubs are highly adaptable, thriving in a wide range of soil types and weather conditions, including heat, humidity, and drought. At Plants by Mail, we carry top-performing varieties like Vintage Jade, Cast in Bronze, Bayou Bliss, and Coppertone—each offering a unique mix of color, texture, and size for today’s landscapes.

How to Use and Care for Distylium Shrubs

One of the reasons gardeners love the distylium shrub is its incredible versatility. Whether replacing overused foundation shrubs or filling in wide borders, distylium plants offer a fresh, modern look that’s elegant and easy to maintain. Varieties like Vintage Jade form a soft, spreading mound—perfect for groundcover or mass plantings—while Cast in Bronze brings rich, bronzy-red new growth that adds color contrast to beds and borders. For slightly more upright structure, Bayou Bliss and Coppertone offer a polished look that works beautifully in foundation plantings or layered shrub designs.

Distylium thrives in USDA Zones 7–9, preferring full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. Once established, these shrubs are highly drought-tolerant, resistant to most pests and diseases, and require little to no pruning—though you can shape them in early spring if needed.

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring to encourage healthy growth and maintain vibrant foliage throughout the year.

  • Vintage Jade Distylium bushes used in an elegant front yard landscape

    Does Distylium like sun or shade?

    Distylium shrubs grow best in full sun to part shade, ideally receiving 4–6 hours of direct sunlight per day. While they can tolerate partial shade, too much shade may reduce their density and cause foliage color to fade. For the best performance—especially in terms of compact growth and vibrant new foliage—plant your distylium plant in a spot with plenty of light and well-drained soil.

    Does Distylium lose its leaves in winter?

    No—distylium plants are evergreen, which means they retain their leaves year-round. Even in cooler months, their glossy foliage stays lush and dense, with some varieties showing subtle shifts in leaf tone during winter. This makes distylium shrubs ideal for providing year-round texture and color in the landscape.

  • bayou bliss distylium foliage closeup with long green leaves

    How big does Distylium get?

    The mature size of a distylium shrub depends on the variety. Compact selections like Cast in Bronze typically reach 2–3 feet tall and wide, while larger types like Coppertone and Bayou Bliss can grow 4–5 feet tall and up to 6 feet wide. Spreading forms like Vintage Jade grow wider than tall, making them perfect for mass plantings or groundcover.

    Is Distylium low maintenance?

    Yes, distylium is exceptionally low-maintenance. These shrubs are disease-resistant, drought-tolerant once established, and rarely require pruning thanks to their naturally mounded growth habit. With no major pest issues and excellent adaptability to heat and humidity, distylium plants are a go-to choice for gardeners who want reliable, fuss-free performance in all seasons.