Overview

Disporum longistylum 'Green Giant' is a clump forming, columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Disporum, part of the Colchicaceae family, with deciduous, semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 2.5-4 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Disporum longistylum 'Green Giant' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens and cottage and informal garden.

About

Disporum longistylum 'Green Giant' is a robust perennial that can reach heights of up to 3 meters under optimal conditions. This plant develops dense clumps of upright stems adorned with glossy, deeply veined leaves that are lance-shaped and may take on a purplish hue in their youthful stage. In late spring and early summer, it produces small clusters of drooping, pale yellow-green flowers, characterized by their extended styles and stamens. As autumn approaches, these flowers give way to berries that mature to a dark black color.

About the genus

Disporum consists of rhizomatous perennial plants that feature alternate leaves on their minimally branched stems. These plants produce solitary or clustered, drooping, bell-shaped flowers in the leaf axils, which are succeeded by berries.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Disporum

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
H6

Plant details

Disporum longistylum 'Green Giant' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Clump forming, Columnar upright
Foliage
Deciduous, Semi evergreen
Height
2.5-4 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Disporum longistylum 'Green Giant'

Cultivation
Grows best in a cool, partially shaded position in a humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Evergreen in mild, sheltered areas but may die back in colder winters
Pruning
Remove old stems before new growth emerges in spring
Propagation
Propagate by division in early spring
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to vine weevil, and to slugs and snails on young growth
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Disporum longistylum 'Green Giant'?

Grows best in a cool, partially shaded position in a humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Evergreen in mild, sheltered areas but may die back in colder winters.

Where is the best place to plant Disporum longistylum 'Green Giant'?

Disporum longistylum 'Green Giant' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Disporum longistylum 'Green Giant' need?

Disporum longistylum 'Green Giant' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

How do I prune Disporum longistylum 'Green Giant'?

Remove old stems before new growth emerges in spring.

How big does Disporum longistylum 'Green Giant' grow?

Disporum longistylum 'Green Giant' reaches a height of 2.5-4 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.

Is Disporum longistylum 'Green Giant' hardy in the UK?

Disporum longistylum 'Green Giant' has a UK hardiness rating of H6.

How do I propagate Disporum longistylum 'Green Giant'?

Propagate by division in early spring.