Overview
Boehmeria nivea is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Boehmeria, part of the Urticaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Boehmeria nivea grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds.
About
Boehmeria nivea, commonly known as ramie, Chinese grass or Chinese silk plant, is a monoecious shrub or subshrub in the family Urticaceae commonly found in China. It is native to warm temperate and tropical regions of the eastern Himalaya, and east and southeastern Asia. It grows to 2 metres tall, with alternately-arranged leaves 7–15 cm long and 6–12 cm broad, oval-acuminate with a serrated margin. Boehmeria nivea has been cultivated in China and elsewhere in southeast Asia for thousands of years, as the source of the fibre crop ramie. Grow it in partial shade and loam soil. In UK gardens it is hardy through an average UK winter (RHS H4). It works well for cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds. It tolerates neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and east-facing, north-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil. Stake when young.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Boehmeria nivea
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Boehmeria
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Boehmeria nivea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Boehmeria nivea
- Propagation
- Divide in spring, Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Boehmeria nivea?
Boehmeria nivea prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Boehmeria nivea need?
Boehmeria nivea grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Boehmeria nivea hardy in the UK?
Boehmeria nivea has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Boehmeria nivea?
Divide in spring, Semi-ripe cuttings.
