About

Chloranthus oldhamii is a herbaceous perennial characterized by its purple-black stems and whorled, glossy, deep green leaves featuring prominent veins. From late spring through late summer, it produces pendulous clusters of fragrant, white, tassel-like flowers that rise above the foliage.

About the genus

Chloranthus comprises herbaceous perennials or sub-shrubs characterized by leaves that grow in pairs or whorls. The plants produce upright or drooping clusters of small, petal-less flowers that can be white or yellow, which are succeeded by berries that may be green, red, or white.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H3

Plant details

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Columnar upright
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden
Native to
Taiwan
Fragrance
Flower

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in woodland conditions - humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in semi shade
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by division
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free