Distylium is a member of the witch hazel family, and are virtually unknown here in North America.......at least in the landscape trade. There are now a handful of Distylium hybrids that are being produced within the U.S. that are beginning to make their way into landscapes across the country. They are an outstanding alternative to commonly used species such as cherry laurels, junipers, hollies, Indian hawthorn, and even boxwood.
 
Consider this new small leaf selection an alternative to boxwood and other evergreen plants beleaguered by insects and diseases in the south. Cinnamon Girl has plum-purple new growth which turns blue-green as the leaves mature. The small leaves and compact growth give this plant a more refined look than other Distylium on the market. It came through the 2014-15 winter without winter burn while other varieties had moderate to severe dieback. Definitely the most cold hardy Distylium to date.
 
Very small reddish maroon flowers appear in late winter, which also gives this plant some nice seasonal interest too. Is the lowest growing of all the Distylium hybrids, and makes a wonderful, thick, yet graceful looking hedge or groundcover planting.
 
Mature Height: 3-4 ft 
Mature Width: 5-6 ft
Zone 6b-9.