About
Kirengeshoma palmata Koreana Group, the Korean yellow wax-bells, is a clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial to 1.2 m or more with palmately lobed leaves and dark-maroon stems bearing nodding, fleshy, creamy-yellow, narrowly bell-shaped flowers larger than those of the type species in late summer and autumn. A magnificent and architectural plant for a moist, sheltered, partly shaded border.
About the genus
Kirengeshoma are rhizomatous perennials from Japan and Korea with large, palmately lobed, maple-like leaves and branched sprays of nodding, fleshy, pale-yellow, tubular bell-shaped flowers in late summer and autumn. Grown in moist, sheltered, partly shaded borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toKorea
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist, lime-free soil enriched with leaf mould. Prefers partial shade but tolerates denser shade; shelter from cold winds. If there is plenty of water a site in full sun may be tolerated, but is not ideal
PruningCut down the year's growth after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe or in spring (germination may be erratic). Propagate by division as growth begins in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free