About

A clump-forming perennial to around 60cm high, with oval to elliptic, softly hairy leaves held in pairs along the stems. Small clusters of greenish yellow flowers with reddish-purple insides are produced in whorls around the tip of the stem in late spring and early summer, followed by whitish berries that ripen to red and persist into winter.

About the genus

Triosteum is a genus containing species of varied habit, from compact perennials to larger woody plants. Members are valued in horticulture for their flowers, foliage, or overall form and are found in diverse habitats worldwide

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toBhutan India Nepal

Care notes

CultivationGrow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, ideally in light or part shade with shelter from cold winds. May tolerate full sun where soils are consistently moist. Ideal for a woodland garden
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in a cold frame in spring, keep moist
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free