Distylium Swing Low

Distylium Swing Low® First Editions® is an evergreen shrub for warm climates that maintains a compact and spreading habit, even after several years of cultivation. It makes an interesting ground cover with dense delicate blue-green foliage on horizontal branches. It is resistant to diseases and insects. This elegant cousin of Hamamelis stands out with its beautiful purplish young shoots and small dark red flowers in winter. It only dislikes soils that are too chalky or poorly drained. It grows well in both dry and wet soils or in seasonally flooded areas.

Distylium is a genus belonging to the Hamamelidaceae family, like Parrotia, Hamamelis, Corylopsis, and Loropetalum. The Distylium genus includes 18 species of trees and shrubs, most native to China or Southeast Asia. The leaves are alternate and leathery, and the petal-less flowers are grouped in spikes. Most species tolerate light frosts, but some horticultural hybrids are more cold-resistant.

This is the case with Swing Low®, a recent variety from the First Editions® range, with small leaves that is quite hardy, capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -15°C to -17°C. This low-growing shrub reaches a maximum height of 60 to 90 cm, with a spread of 90 to 120 cm, and forms very dense clumps, which can act as ground cover on slopes, where it will limit erosion. Its foliage consists of small lanceolate elliptical leaves, leathery and evergreen leaves. It is particularly interesting in spring, when the young shoots take on a purplish colour, similar to the colour of plums, which is prominent against the old bluish-green foliage.
As a true Hamamelidaceae, this shrub, still rare in our gardens, blooms in late winter (February-March), producing reddish spikes of petal-less flowers. A discreet but welcome flowering at a time when there are still few flowers. The relatively upright branches at the base then spread more widely to form a very spreading clump. Since it tolerates pruning well, it can be trained as a low hedge, a good alternative to boxwood, as it is not susceptible to insects or diseases. It is an accommodating plant that grows in ordinary soil, neutral to slightly acidic (lime causes chlorosis), moist to dry and well-drained. It thrives in full sun and tolerates shade in warm climates. It can even be cultivated in the south as it tolerates heat well and, once rooted, also withstands drought.

Distylum Swing Low, with its dense foliage and spreading habit, is an ideal choice for covering and stabilising slopes, for forming a resistant low hedge, or for the front of mixed borders. With a preference for slightly acidic soils, it naturally pairs well with plants with similar needs, such as Loropetalum. 'Black Pearl', for example, with its almost blackish purple foliage, creates a beautiful contrast with Distylum Swing Low and its bright red-pink flowering offers a dazzling display in spring. To extend the flowering season, introduce a Hydrangea paniculata 'Diamant Rouge' with flowers that evolve from pure white to dark pink, ending in shades of wine over a period of three months.