Overview
Disporum longistylum 'Night Heron' is a clump forming, columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Disporum, part of the Colchicaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Disporum longistylum 'Night Heron' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit and low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and patio and container plants.
About
Disporum longistylum 'Night Heron' is a perennial that forms clumps and features tall, arching stems. The foliage begins as purple and transitions to green as the season progresses. In late spring, it produces small, bell-shaped flowers that range from white to yellow, which are succeeded by dark red to black berries. This plant thrives in shaded locations.
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
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Disporum longistylum 'Night Heron' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Disporum longistylum 'Night Heron'
- Cultivation
- Grows best in a cool, partially shaded position in a humus-rich, moist but well-drained acidic or neutral soil
- Pruning
- Remove old stems before new growth emerges in spring
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or by division
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs and snails on young growth but generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Disporum longistylum 'Night Heron'?
Grows best in a cool, partially shaded position in a humus-rich, moist but well-drained acidic or neutral soil.
Where is the best place to plant Disporum longistylum 'Night Heron'?
Disporum longistylum 'Night Heron' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Disporum longistylum 'Night Heron' need?
Disporum longistylum 'Night Heron' grows best in clay and loam soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Disporum longistylum 'Night Heron'?
Remove old stems before new growth emerges in spring.
How big does Disporum longistylum 'Night Heron' grow?
Disporum longistylum 'Night Heron' reaches a height of 1.5-2.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Disporum longistylum 'Night Heron' hardy in the UK?
Disporum longistylum 'Night Heron' has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Disporum longistylum 'Night Heron'?
Propagate by seed or by division.