Distylium
Distylium
Traits
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Jul 16, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Distylium
Distylium is a dense, glossy-leaved evergreen shrub in the witch hazel family, prized for exceptional heat, drought, and salt tolerance in NE Florida landscapes. Modern compact cultivars offer fine-textured, mounding habit with minimal pruning, no serious pests, and reddish winter flowers — an outstanding low-maintenance alternative to boxwood or loropetalum. Starting at $29.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Winter
- Flower Color
- Red
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Clay, Acidic, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Ideal planting window.
Bloom season. Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Adaptable from full sun to part shade; densest growth and best flowering occur with 6+ hours of sun. In NE Florida it tolerates afternoon shade, making it versatile for foundation plantings under building eaves.
Drought-tolerant once established — water deeply 2-3 times per week for the first 4-6 weeks, then reduce to supplemental irrigation only during prolonged dry spells. Distylium withstands Florida's summer rains without root rot issues in well-drained soil.
Tolerates a wide range of soils including sandy Florida soils and clay, with pH 5.2–7.8. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer once in spring; minimal additional care is required — Distylium is a very low-maintenance shrub.
Similar needs
Firebush
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Silverthorn
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Beautyberry
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Chinese Holly
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Yaupon Holly
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Common Mallow
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
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Common questions
Is Distylium a good plant for St. Augustine?
Distylium is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 3-6 feet × 4-6 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.