Overview

Hemitomes congestum is a plant with a stemless perennial habit in the genus Hemitomes, part of the Ericaceae family, with none foliage. Hemitomes congestum grows best in full shade, and tolerates loam soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include woodland gardens.

About

Hemitomes congestum is a stemless perennial cultivar within the genus Hemitomes, belonging to the Ericaceae family. It lacks foliage and thrives best in full shade, particularly in north-facing, sheltered woodland garden settings. This plant prefers moist, fertile, well-drained loam soil with an acidic pH. It is hardy to UK zone H5 and is of interest during the spring and summer seasons. Propagation is achieved through division.

About the genus

Hemitomes is a monotypic genus of plants containing the single species Hemitomes congestum, which is known as gnome plant and cone plant. This rare and unusual plant is native to the west coast of North America from British Columbia to California, where it grows in dense, dark forests such as the redwood and Douglas-fir forests of the region. This is a small, fleshy, stemless perennial plant forming lumps in the leaf litter.

Wikipedia contributors, "Hemitomes", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hemitomes

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Hemitomes

Sunlight

Full shade

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Acid

Soil moisture

Moist

Aspect

North-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Hemitomes congestum size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Stemless perennial

Foliage

None

Suggested uses

Woodland gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hemitomes congestum

Propagation

Division

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions