Overview

Nomocharis pardanthina is a perennial in the genus Nomocharis, part of the Liliaceae family. Nomocharis pardanthina grows best in partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and humus-rich soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock gardens, alpine gardens and shaded borders. It is native to China, Tibet and Myanmar.

About

Nomocharis pardanthina is a perennial in the lily family native to China, Tibet and Myanmar. It prefers partial shade and a moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil. Classified H5 (hardy) in the UK, it suits rock gardens, alpine beds and shaded borders. Plant where light is muted and rich soil pockets can be maintained.

About the genus

Nomocharis was a genus of flowering plants in the family Liliaceae. It consisted of about 7 species native to montane regions of western China, Myanmar, and northern India.

In the garden

Nomocharis pardanthina belongs to the Liliaceae and originates from regions of China, Tibet and Myanmar. In cultivation it favours conditions that replicate its natural preference for shelter and organic soil: partial shade and humus-rich, well-drained ground. Keep the root zone consistently moist but avoid sitting water. Site selection is the key to success. Choose a sheltered spot in a rock or alpine bed or a shaded border where leaf mould or compost can be worked into the planting hole to provide persistent humus. Mulch lightly with leaf mould or well-rotted compost to conserve moisture and top up organic matter each autumn to maintain the humus layer. Hardiness is H5, which in practice means plants will tolerate normal UK winter conditions provided drainage is good and they are not exposed to drying winter winds. Nomocharis pardanthina is best positioned where a moist, humus-rich pocket can be maintained within a partly shaded rock garden or alpine bed rather than in open, exposed soil.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Nomocharis

Sunlight
partial shade
Soil type
well-drained, humus-rich
Soil moisture
moist
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Nomocharis pardanthina size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
perennial
Suggested uses
rock gardens, alpine gardens, shaded borders
Native to
China, Tibet, Myanmar

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Nomocharis pardanthina

Cultivation
Prefers cool, shaded conditions with moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter; avoid waterlogging.
Propagation
seed, division

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Nomocharis pardanthina?

Prefers cool, shaded conditions with moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter; avoid waterlogging.

Where is the best place to plant Nomocharis pardanthina?

Nomocharis pardanthina prefers partial shade.

What soil does Nomocharis pardanthina need?

Nomocharis pardanthina grows best in well-drained and humus-rich soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.

Is Nomocharis pardanthina hardy in the UK?

Nomocharis pardanthina has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Nomocharis pardanthina?

Seed, division.

More in the Nomocharis genus

Browse all Nomocharis