About
Paris quadrifolia, herb paris, is a rhizomatous perennial to around 40 cm with upright stems bearing a single whorl of usually 4 ovate, green leaves. In spring, a solitary, star-shaped flower with long, lance-shaped, green outer tepals and threadlike, greenish-white inner ones is produced, followed by a single, round, blue-black berry. A charming native woodland plant for a shaded, moist, humus-rich 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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope, Asia
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationThrives in deep, humus-rich, neutral to slighty acidic soil that doesn't dry out, in part or full shade. Ideal for a shady corner or woodland garden
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in containers outdoors in autumn, or by division in autumn or spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free