PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Partial to full sun, with preference for morning sun to avoid midday leaf scorch in hot climates; tolerates light shade.
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil feels dry; avoid standing water to prevent root rot.
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C; withstands summer temperatures up to 35°C with consistent moisture to prevent stress.
Characteristics
- Leaf: Oval to lanceolate, 3–8 cm long, glossy green turning bright red-orange in autumn
- Flower: Small, greenish-white, clustered in axillary cymes with four petals
- Stem: Slender green to brown branches; mature stems develop corky wing-like projections
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; apply mulch to retain moisture
Fertilization
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer once in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowering and autumn color.
Eggshell powder top-dress：Crush thoroughly dried eggshells into a fine powder; sprinkle 1 teaspoon around the base of the plant every 6 months; water lightly to incorporate into soil.Pruning
- Prune immediately after flowering to shape the shrub and remove dead or damaged branches
- Thin crowded interior branches to improve airflow and reduce fungal disease risk
- Remove suckers at the base to maintain a tidy, upright growth form
- Cut back overgrown stems by up to one-third in early spring to encourage compact, bushy growth
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and potential cardiac irregularities in severe cases
Humans: Contains cardiac glycosides; ingestion causes mild gastrointestinal irritation; sap may cause mild skin irritation on contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental shrub valued for vibrant autumn foliage; historically used in limited traditional Indigenous medicinal practices
