Overview

Helonias dioica is a plant with a clump-forming habit in the genus Helonias, part of the Melanthiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Helonias dioica grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include woodland gardens and moist borders.

About

Helonias dioica, commonly known as American devil's bit, is a clump-forming deciduous plant from the genus Helonias in the Melanthiaceae family. It thrives in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered aspect, preferring fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H3, it is suitable for woodland gardens and moist borders. This cultivar is of interest in spring and summer and can be propagated by division or seed.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Helonias

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H3

Plant details

Helonias dioica size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Clump-forming

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Woodland gardens, moist borders

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Helonias dioica

Propagation

Division, seed

Pest resistance

Susceptible to aphids, rose leafhopper, glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects, caterpillars, large rose sawfly, rose slugworm sawfly and rose leaf-rolling sawfly. Deer and rabbits can cause damage

Disease resistance

Susceptible to rose black spot, rose rust, replant disease, rose dieback, and rose powdery mildew and sometimes honey fungus

Frequently asked questions