About
Pinellia tripartita, green dragon, is a vigorous, tuberous perennial to around 40 cm with oval-shaped, green, wavy-edged leaves arranged in groups of three on upright stalks. Solitary, narrow, green spathes surrounding a pale-green spadix with a long, protruding tail are borne above the foliage from late spring to midsummer, followed by small, green berries. A fascinating botanical curiosity for a shaded, moist, sheltered border.
About the genus
Pinellia are tuberous perennials from East Asia producing variably shaped, often trifoliate or pedate leaves and distinctive, green, hooded spathes with a long, protruding spadix. Known as green dragons in cultivation.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesBorders, containers, mixed plantings.
Native toJapan
Care notes
CultivationThrives in light or dappled shade in a well-drained, humus rich soil that doesn't dry out too much in summer. Ideal for woodland planting
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed; will self-seed in place
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free