Buy Now, Plant Later! Spring Reservations Are Open

Free Shipping On Orders Over $199

Reserve Your Spring Garden Now

Growing Zone: | Garden in
Find your Growing Zone!

Buckhead™ Bold Distylium

Distylium buxifolium 'ZhDis12-16'

  • Reliably hardy in USDA zones 7 through 9.
  • Eye-catching evergreen foliage shifts from rich bronze to a sophisticated blue-green.
  • Produces rare, hot pink-red flowers in late winter when the rest of the garden is dormant.
  • Versatile mature size of 4-7 feet makes it a perfect solution for privacy hedges or foundation screenings.

Regular price $2699
In Stock

Unfortunately, this item cannot be shipped to your state.

Shipping to a different address?

Shipping to your area may be delayed due to weather conditions.

Shipping to a different address?

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Find your Growing Zone
Plant Size

Plant Sentry™

Plant Sentry Protected

Plant Sentry™ Protected

Your order is protected by our compliance system that:

  • Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
  • Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
  • Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases

Learn more about Plant Sentry™

Delivery and Shipping

Delivery and Shipping

Fast, Safe Plant Delivery
Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50 $9.99
$50 - $99.99 $14.99
$100 - $149.99 $16.99
$150 - $198.99 $24.99
$199+ FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

Plant Profile & Growing Essentials

Specifications

  • Botanical Name
    Distylium buxifolium 'ZhDis12-16'
  • Height
    4-7 Feet
  • Width
    4-7 Feet
  • Growing Zones
    7-9
  • Sunlight
    • Full sun
    • Partial shade
  • Growth Rate
    Fast
  • Flower Color
    • Red
  • Leaf Color
    • Green
  • Pollinator Friendly
    Yes
  • Bloom Period
    Late Winter, Early Spring
  • Does Not Ship To
    AK, HI, ID, MT

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade. Aim for at least six hours of direct light for the best color, but provide afternoon shade in the Deep South to keep the foliage from looking tired.
  • Soil: This shrub loves moist, well-drained soil but is a champion at handling heavy clay or sandy spots. If you have thick clay, mix in some organic compost to help the roots breathe and prevent water from sitting too long.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, keep the soil consistently moist to help the roots settle into their new home. Once established, this plant is quite drought tolerant and can handle dry spells without dropping leaves. If you notice the foliage looking dull or drooping, give it a deep soak to alleviate stress during extreme summer heat.

Pruning Tips

Buckhead Bold blooms on old wood, so the best time to prune is in early spring right after the red flowers finish their show. Think of it like a light haircut to maintain the shape or size you want without cutting off next year's flower buds. Since it has a naturally tidy habit, you really only need to remove stray branches or thin it out to improve air circulation.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer designed for evergreen shrubs in early spring as new growth begins. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall because this can spark tender new growth that will get nipped by the first frost. A single application in the spring provides all the fuel it needs for the entire growing season.

A Dynamic Southern Evergreen

If you are looking for a shrub that works as hard as you do, look no further than the Buckhead™ Bold Distylium (Distylium buxifolium 'ZhDis12-16'). This Proven Winners® selection is a game-changer for southern landscapes, offering a sophisticated alternative to overused boxwoods and hollies. The first thing you’ll notice is the foliage—large, leathery leaves that emerge in a warm bronze before maturing into a deep, cool blue-green. This color shift provides a subtle, rolling texture that adds depth to any garden border.

Winter Color That Commands Attention

While most of the neighborhood is waiting for spring, the Buckhead™ Bold is already putting on a show. In the heart of late winter, tiny but vibrant hot pinkish-red flowers erupt along the stems. These "red hot" blooms are a sensory delight, providing a much-needed pop of color against the evergreen backdrop. These flowers aren't just for show; they serve as a vital early-season nectar source for pollinators emerging from their winter slumber.

Effortless Elegance in the Landscape

Landscape designers love the Buckhead™ Bold because it is essentially "plant it and forget it." Reaching a balanced 4 to 7 feet in height and width, it fills space beautifully without becoming unmanageable. Its dense, upright habit makes it an ideal candidate for a privacy hedge that doesn't require constant shearing. Whether you use it as a focal point, a mass planting for erosion control, or a clean foundation plant against a brick home, this Distylium remains "bold" and beautiful through every season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Buckhead™ Bold Distylium deer resistant?

  • Yes, Distylium is generally avoided by deer, making it an excellent alternative to more palatable evergreens in areas with high deer pressure.

Can this shrub handle the heat of the Deep South?

  • Absolutely. Buckhead™ Bold is specifically bred for heat tolerance and excels in the humidity of zones 7, 8, and 9.

Is this a good alternative to Boxwood?

  • t is an outstanding alternative. It offers a similar evergreen presence but with added winter flower interest and significantly better resistance to common pests and diseases that plague boxwoods.

How often should I prune my Distylium?

  • Pruning is rarely necessary due to its natural upright habit. However, if you want to manage its size, a quick trim in spring after it finishes flowering is all it takes.

Does Buckhead™ Bold require a lot of water?

  • While it needs regular water during its first year to establish roots, it is remarkably drought-tolerant once it is settled into your landscape.

Find Your Garden's Growing Zone!

Your Current Growing Zone:

Zone

ZIP Code:

✓ Growing Zone Set Successfully!

Your zone has been saved and will be used throughout the site.

⚠ Unable to locate a growing zone for that ZIP code.

Please check your ZIP code and try again.

Looking up your growing zone...

When ordering a tree or plant, make sure to know your planting zone.

You can determine your garden's USDA hardiness zone by entering your Zip Code below.