Disanthus cercidifolius –

Description

Disanthus – There is a single species of a deciduous shrub, in this genus. It occurs in woodland and mountains in China and Japan. It is grown for its striking autumn color, graduating from yellow through red to purple, and displaying all these shades at once. The almost circular shape, strongly veined, leaves have bluish undersides and are alternate, and slightly fragrant, spidery flowers are carried in pairs in mid autumn as the leaves fall. Grow as a specimen in a woodland garden, or in a shrub border. Grow this drought tender plant, in humus rich, moist but well drained, acidic or peaty soil, in sun or partial shade, shelter from strong winds. D. cercidifolius – This slow growing, rounded shrub from Central China and Mountains of Japan grows 10-20′ feet tall and wide. It produces almost circular, glaucous blue green leaves, to 4″ long, with heart shaped bases, turning yellow, orange, red and purple in autumn. In autumn it bears inconspicuous slightly fragrant, axillary, spidery, bright rose-red flowers, 3/4″ across. Zones 5-8