1 named cultivar

‘Athen's Tower’Athen's Tower Distylium

shrub

Myrtle-Leafed Distylium

The Story

Plant Bio

Distylium myricoides is a dense, spreading evergreen shrub native to China, characterized by its distinctive layered, cascading branch architecture. The small, leathery leaves emerge coppery-red before maturing to a powdery blue-green, while tiny, petal-less red flowers cluster along the stems in late winter.

This species is highly valued as an exceptionally tough, disease-resistant alternative to boxwood and cherry laurel in southern landscapes. Its natural horizontal growth habit makes it an excellent choice for low-maintenance foundation plantings and slopes.

Uses & Benefits:

Features a unique tiered, cascading branch structure and attractive blue-green foliage that provides year-round architectural interest.

Highly drought-tolerant once established, with excellent resistance to heat, wind, and common pests.

Provides dense, evergreen shelter and nesting cover for small birds and beneficial insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

118"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

China

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a location receiving full sun to partial shade, ensuring the soil is well-drained.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant so the crown is slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, drought-tolerant root system.
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, keeping it clear of the main stem.

Pro Tip

Avoid shearing this shrub into formal shapes; tight clipping destroys the natural tiered branch structure and cutting back into old, leafless wood results in poor recovery.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly immediately after spring flowering to shape or remove stray branches.
Ensure the planting site has excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a year in early spring.

Don't

Do not shear the plant into formal geometric shapes, which ruins its natural cascading habit.
Do not cut back into old, leafless wood where new buds cannot break.
Do not allow the plant to sit in waterlogged soil for extended periods.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Foundation PlantingMass PlantingErosion ControlHedgeUnderstory

Companion Plants

Cephalotaxus harringtonia Ilex glabra Camellia sasanqua

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Myrtle-Leafed Distylium questions

What zones can Myrtle-Leafed Distylium grow in?

Myrtle-Leafed Distylium is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Myrtle-Leafed Distylium bloom?

Myrtle-Leafed Distylium typically blooms in late winter through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Myrtle-Leafed Distylium need full sun?

Myrtle-Leafed Distylium does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Myrtle-Leafed Distylium drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Myrtle-Leafed Distylium handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.