Overview

Clintonia is a plant with a clump-forming habit in the genus Clintonia, part of the Liliaceae family, with glossy foliage. Clintonia grows best in full shade, and tolerates loam soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include shade gardens.

About

Clintonia is a clump-forming genus in the Liliaceae family, suited to full shade and north-facing, sheltered aspects. It thrives in moist, fertile, well-drained loam soil with an acid pH. The plant features glossy foliage and is hardy in the UK to H5. It is particularly valued in shade gardens, with interest during spring and summer. Propagation is typically by division.

About the genus

Clintonia is a genus of flowering plants in the lily family Liliaceae. Plants of the genus are distributed across the temperate regions of North America and eastern Asia, in the mesic understory of deciduous or coniferous forests. The genus, first described by Constantine Samuel Rafinesque in 1818, was named for DeWitt Clinton (1769–1828), a naturalist and politician from the U.S.

Wikipedia contributors, "Clintonia", CC BY-SA 4.0Clintonia

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Clintonia

Sunlight
Full shade
Soil type
Loam
Soil pH
Acid
Soil moisture
Moist
Aspect
North-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Clintonia size, habit and characteristics

Habit
Clump-forming
Foliage
Glossy
Suggested uses
Shade gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Clintonia

Propagation
Division
Pest resistance
High
Disease resistance
High

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Clintonia?

Clintonia prefers full shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Clintonia need?

Clintonia grows best in loam soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.

Is Clintonia hardy in the UK?

Clintonia has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Clintonia?

Division.