Enkianthus and Phlox ‘Violet Pinwheels’

Enkianthus campanulatus This lovely flowering shrub, commonly called redvein enkianthus, deserves more attention. It has charming white, creamy-yellow, whitish-pink, or pink nodding flowers in spring. A slow-growing shrub, Enkianthus can range in height from 6’ to 15’, depending on the variety. All are acid loving shrubs, similar to Rhododendrons and Azaleas. I planted a pure white flowering cultivar, ‘Albiflorus’, in part shade next to my back deck. I just took this picture of its sweet flowers. I am rewarded with a second head-turning show in the fall when the leaves turn a brilliant red, orange and purple. Here it is in early October. Enkianthus enjoys sun to part shade in Zones 4 – 7 (depending on the cultivar).

Phlox x ‘Violet Pinwheels’ This new spring blooming phlox is a cross between Phlox bifida and Phlox kelseyi. In some ways it is similar to creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) but it’s more compact, fragrant and may rebloom in summer and fall. I just purchased one to plant in my part shade garden. I love the rich purple flowers and attractive foliage. It gets 2” to 5” tall and can spread to 12” to 18”. It grows in sun to part shade in Zones 4 – 9. Oh, and did I mention that it is deer resistant?