Overview

Hylomecon japonicum is a perennial in the genus Hylomecon, part of the Q144723 family. Hylomecon japonicum grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates well-drained and humus-rich soils and acidic and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include woodland garden, shaded borders and ground cover. It is native to Japan.

About

Hylomecon japonicum is a shade-tolerant, spring-flowering perennial from Japan used as a ground cover in woodland plantings. It flowers April to May and prefers partial shade to full shade. Plant in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil with an acidic to neutral pH. It is H5 hardy in the UK.

About the genus

Hylomecon is a genus of flowering plants in the family Papaveraceae. Its species are native to China, Korea, Japan and the Russian Far East.

In the garden

Hylomecon japonicum is a spring-flowering perennial native to Japan that performs best in the cool, sheltered conditions of a woodland or shaded border. Its flowering season runs April to May, when individual plants make a low, seasonal display before the higher canopy fills in. Choose a site with partial shade or full shade and a soil that is moist yet free-draining; humus-rich ground with an acidic to neutral pH suits it best. The H5 rating indicates it is hardy in typical UK gardens, so no special winter protection is usually needed provided the soil does not dry out. Planting into prepared soil enriched with leaf mould or well-rotted compost helps retain the steady moisture these plants prefer. Use Hylomecon japonicum to form low drifts beneath deciduous trees, along shaded paths or at the front of a shaded border where it can act as ground cover. Allow it to establish space to spread so groups can offer seasonal impact in early spring. Position plants where the April–May flowers can be enjoyed at close range, for example beside a woodland path or near a seating area under trees.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Hylomecon

Sunlight

partial shade, shade

Soil type

well-drained, humus-rich

Soil pH

acidic, neutral

Soil moisture

moist

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Hylomecon japonicum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial

Suggested uses

woodland garden, shaded borders, ground cover

Native to

Japan

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hylomecon japonicum

Cultivation

Prefers shaded or semi-shaded positions with moist, humus-rich soil. Avoid direct hot sun.

Propagation

seed, division

Frequently asked questions