About
Paris polyphylla, the many-leaved paris, is a deciduous herbaceous perennial for deep shade, producing whorls of 5�9 leaves in spring, followed by intricate flowers with leafy-looking green tepals topped by fine, thread-like yellow inner petals. Clusters of red berries follow. A rewarding and architectural plant for a shaded, moist, humus-rich woodland border.
About the genus
Paris are rhizomatous, herbaceous perennials from woodland in Asia and Europe, producing a single terminal whorl of leaves and spider-like flowers with long, thread-like petals in spring or early summer. Grown in shaded, moist, humus-rich woodland borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Spreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens
Native toHimalaya to C China & N Myanmar
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationPrefers full shade, but would tolerate partial shade. Needs a rich soil with plenty of organic matter. Protect new shoots from frost; they come up very early in spring
PruningCut back old foliage in autumn
PropagationPropagate by division, in early spring, just as shoots appear. It is also possible to propagate by seed, but germination may take up to three years
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free