Overview
Paris polyphylla is a clump forming, spreading branched herbaceous perennial in the genus Paris, part of the Melanthiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Paris polyphylla grows best in full shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include woodland gardens, ground cover and underplanting.
About
Paris polyphylla is a species of flowering plant native to China, the Indian subcontinent, and Indochina. It produces spider-like flowers that throw out long, thread-like, yellowish green petals throughout most of the warm summer months and into the autumn. In the fall, the flowers are followed by small, scarlet berries. It is a perennial, which slowly spreads, is fully hardy in Britain, and survives in leafy, moist soil in either complete or partial shade. It grows to around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. Grow it in full shade and most soil types. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and east-facing and north-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Paris polyphylla
About the genus
Paris is a genus of flowering plants described by Linnaeus in 1753. It is widespread across Europe and Asia, with a center of diversity in China.
Wikipedia contributors, "Paris (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Paris (plant)
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Paris
- Sunlight
- Full shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Paris polyphylla size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Woodland gardens, Ground cover, Underplanting
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Paris polyphylla
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Paris polyphylla?
Paris polyphylla prefers full shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Paris polyphylla need?
Paris polyphylla is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Paris polyphylla grow?
Paris polyphylla reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Paris polyphylla hardy in the UK?
Paris polyphylla has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Paris polyphylla?
Division, Seed.